nd drinking.

But M. de Tregars did not mean to be imposed upon. He felt certain
that the man was lying. Instead, therefore, of discussing,

"I want you to take me to your mistress," he ordered, in a tone that
admitted of no objection; "or else I'll find my way to her alone."

It was evident that he would do just as he said, by force if needs
be. The valet saw this, and, after hesitating a moment longer,

"Come along, then," he said, "since you insist so much. We'll talk
to the chambermaid."

And, having led M. de Tregars into the vestibule, he called out,
"Mam'selle Amanda!"

A woman at once made her appearance who was a worthy mate for the
valet. She must have been about forty, and the most alarming
duplicity could be read upon her features, deeply pitted by the
small-pox. She wore a pretentious dress, an apron like a
stage-servant, and a cap profusely decorated with flowers and
ribbons.

"Here is a gentleman," said the valet, "who insists upon seeing
madame. You fix it with him."

Better than her fellow servant, Mlle. Amanda could judge with whom
she had to deal. A single glance at this obstinate visitor
convinced her that he was not one who can be easily turned off.

Putting on, therefore, her pleasantest smile, thus displaying at
the same time her decayed teeth,

"The fact is that monsieur will very much disturb madame," she
observed.

"I shall excuse myself."

"But I'll be scolded."

Instead of answering, M. de Tregars took a couple of
twenty-franc-notes out of his pocket, and slipped them into her
hand.

"Please follow me to the parlor, then," she said with a heavy sigh.

M. de Tregars did so, whilst observing everything around him with
the attentive perspicacity of a deputy sheriff preparing to make
out an inventory.

Being double, the house was much more spacious than could have
been thought from the street, and arranged with that science of
comfort which is the genius of modern architects.

The most lavish luxury was displayed on all sides; not that solid,
quiet, and harmonious luxury which is the result of long years of
opulence, but the coarse, loud, and superficial luxury of the
_parvenu_, who is eager to enjoy quick, and to possess all that he
has craved from others.

The vestibule was a folly, with its exotic plants climbing along
crystal trellises, and its Sevres and China jardinieres filled with
gigantic azaleas. And along the gilt railing of the stairs marble
and bro