to whom she again offered her hand with eighty thousand pounds sterling (two millions) of “dot.”  Monsieur Picot replied that if his sight were restored and she would consent to live in Paris, for he hated England, he would let himself be married.  The operation was performed and was successful, and, at the end of three weeks the newly married pair arrived in the capital.  These details I obtained from the lady’s maid, with whom I am on the warmest terms.

“Oh! the puppy!” said Corentin, laughing.

The above is therefore hearsay, but what remains to be told to Monsieur le directeur are facts of which I can speak “de visu,” and to which I am, consequently, in a position to certify.  As soon as Monsieur and Madame Picot had installed themselves, which was done in the most sumptuous and comfortable manner, my master gave me a number of invitations to dinner to carry to the Thuillier family, the Colleville family, the Minard family, the Abbe Gondrin, vicar of the Madeleine, and nearly all the guests who were present at another dinner a few months earlier, when he had an encounter with Mademoiselle Thuillier, and behaved, I must say, in a rather singular manner.  All the persons who received these invitations were so astonished to learn that the old man Picot had married a rich wife and was living in the Thuilliers’ old apartment that most of them came to inquire of Monsieur Pascal, the porter, to see if they were hoaxed.  The information they obtained being honest and honorable, the whole society arrived punctually on time; but Monsieur Picot did not appear.  The guests were received by Madame Picot, who does not speak French and could only say, “My husband is coming soon”; after which, not being able to make further conversation, the company were dull and ill at ease.  At last Monsieur Picot arrived, and all present were stupefied on seeing, instead of an old blind man, shabbily dressed, a handsome young elderly man, bearing his years jauntily, like Monsieur Ferville of the Gymnase, who said with a lively air: 

“I beg your pardon, mesdames, for not being here at the moment of your arrival; but I was at the Academy of Sciences, awaiting the result of an election,—­that of Monsieur Felix Phellion, who has been elected unanimously less three votes.”

  This news seemed to have a great effect upon the company.  So then
  Monsieur Picot resumed:—­

“I must also, mesdames, ask your pardon for the rather improper manner in which I behaved a short time ago in the house where we are now assembled.  My excuse must be my late infirmity, the annoyances of a family lawsuit, and of an old housekeeper who robbed me and tormented me in a thousand ways, from whom I am happily delivered.  To-day you see me another man, rejuvenated and rich with the blessings bestowed upon me by the amiable woman who has given me her hand; and I should be in the happiest frame of mind to receive you if