Volume I Part 63 (2/2)
”I find it difficult to believe that it's true; I suppose it's another miserable joke on the part of those who played that detestable trick on me before. As for this Chamoureau, he is a downright idiot, who is quite capable of seconding the schemes of those men because he doesn't suspect them.”
”But if it should be true! a splendid fortune, my dear!”
Thelenie rang for her maid.
”Who brought this letter, Melie?”
”A messenger, madame.”
”Is he still here?”
”Yes, madame, he absolutely insists on having an answer.”
”Let him come in.”
The messenger was ushered into the presence of the ladies. Thelenie examined him for some seconds, then asked him:
”Who gave you this letter?”
”Monsieur Chamoureau, madame.”
”You know him, then?”
”Yes, madame, he often employs me. He keeps a real estate office; I know him well.”
”Was he alone when he handed you this letter?”
”Yes, madame, he came to my stand for me; he was all alone.”
”What did he say to you?”
”He said--Well! he seems to be very anxious to have a written answer from madame, for he promised me ten francs if I'd bring him just a line.”
”Very well; you shall earn your ten francs.”
Thelenie took her writing-case and wrote:
”I will receive you at my apartment this evening. But bring the proofs of what you tell me, or you won't leave my house with both your ears.”
She handed the note to the messenger, who left the house with a radiant face. He had no sooner gone than the door opened again and Monsieur Beauregard entered the apartment, unannounced. At sight of him, Thelenie turned pale; then she motioned to her friend, saying:
”Go into the salon while I talk with monsieur.”
Mademoiselle Helose rose and left the room, muttering:
”Well, well! I wonder if this is a brother, too! at all events, he isn't of the same type as the other!”
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