resses and trifles, until one day,

"'You are the only one,' he told me, 'who can help me out just
now. You are really good looking; and I am sure that in full dress,
spread over the cushions of a handsome carriage, you would create
quite a sensation, and that all the rest of the women would be
jealous of you, and would wish to look like you. There needs but
one, you know, to give the good example.'"

Maxence started up suddenly, and, striking his head with hand,

"Ah, I understand now!" he exclaimed.

"I thought that Van Klopen was jesting," went on the young girl.
"But he had never been more in earnest; and, to prove it, he
commenced explaining to me what he wanted. He proposed to get up
for me some of those costumes which are sure to attract attention;
and two or three times a week he would send me a fine carriage, and
I would go and show myself in the Bois.

"I felt disgusted at the proposition.

"'Never!' I said.

"'Why not?'

"'Because I respect myself too much to make a living advertisement
of myself.'

"He shrugged his shoulders.

"'You are wrong,' he said. 'You are not rich, and I would give you
twenty francs for each ride. At the rate of eight rides a month, it
would be one hundred and sixty francs added to your wages. Besides,'
he added with a wink, 'it would be an excellent opportunity to make
your fortune. Pretty as you are, who knows but what some millionaire
might take a fancy to you!'

"I felt indignant.

"'For that reason alone, if for no other,' I exclaimed, 'I refuse.'

"'You are a little fool,' he replied. 'If you do not accept, you
cease being in my employment. Reflect!'

"My mind was already made up, and I was thinking of looking out for
some other occupation, when I received a note from my friend the
peace-officer, requesting me to call at his office.

"I did so, and, after kindly inviting me to a seat,

"'Well,' he said, 'what is there new?'

"'Nothing. I have noticed no one watching me.'

"He looked annoyed.

"'My agents have not detected any thing, either,' he grumbled.
'And yet it is evident that your enemies cannot have given it up
so. They are sharp ones: if they keep quiet, it is because they
are preparing some good trick. What it is I must and shall find
out. Already I have an idea which would be an excellent one, if I
could discover some way of throwing you among what is called good
society.'

"I explained to him, that, being employed at Van Klopen