Naturally no one can execute that commission but myself."
"That's true!" replied Chupin; "but how about the other?"
The valet had not yet examined the second letter. He now took it
from the table, and glanced at the address. "Ah," said he, "I can
confide this one to you, my good fellow, and it's very fortunate,
for it is to be taken to a place on the other side of the river.
Upon my word! masters are strange creatures! You manage your work
so as to have a little leisure, and the moment you think yourself
free, pouf!--they send you anywhere in creation without even
asking if it suits your convenience. If it hadn't been for you, I
should have missed a dinner with some very charming ladies. But,
above all, don't loiter on the way. I don't mind paying your
omnibus fare if you like. And you heard him say there would be an
answer. You can give it to Moulinet, and in exchange, he'll give
you fifteen sous for your trouble, and six sous for your omnibus
fare. Besides, if you can extract anything from the party the
letter's intended for, you are quite welcome to it."
"Agreed, sir! Grant me time enough to give an answer to the lady
who is waiting at the Madeleine, and I'm on my way. Give me the
letter."
"Here it is, said the valet, handing it to Chupin. But as the
latter glanced at the address he turned deadly pale, and his eyes
almost started from their sockets.
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