Return home at once; you will receive my
instructions to-morrow."
XVII.
Mademoiselle Marguerite had been greatly surprised on the occasion
of her visit to M. Fortunat when she saw Victor Chupin suddenly
step forward and eagerly exclaim: "I shall be unworthy of the name
I bear if I do not find M. Ferailleur for you in less than a
fortnight."
It is true that M. Fortunat's clerk did not appear to the best
advantage on this occasion. In order to watch M. de Coralth, he
had again arrayed himself in his cast-off clothes, and with his
blouse and his worn-out shoes, his "knockers" and his glazed cap,
he looked the vagabond to perfection. Still, strange as it may
seem, Mademoiselle Marguerite did not once doubt the devotion of
this strange auxiliary. Without an instant's hesitation she
replied, "I accept your services, monsieur.
Chupin felt at least a head taller as he heard this beautiful
young girl speak to him in a voice as clear and as sonorous as
crystal. "Ah! you are right to trust me," he rejoined, striking
his chest with his clinched hand, "for I have a heart--but----"
"But what, monsieur?"
"I am wondering if you would consent to do what I wish. It would
be a very good plan, but if it displeases you, we will say no more
about it."
"And what do you wish?"
"To see you every day, so as to tell you what I've done, and to
obtain such directions as I may require.
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