“Oh, no, madame; quite the contrary.  For myself, I have the good fortune to be employed in the factory of M. Hardy, who renders the condition of his workpeople as happy as that of their less fortunate comrades is the reverse; and I had limited myself to attempt, in favor of the great mass of the working classes, an equitable, sincere, warm, and earnest claim—­nothing more.  But you are aware, perhaps, Madame, that in times of conspiracy, and commotion, people are often incriminated and imprisoned on very slight grounds.  Should such a misfortune befall me, what will become of my mother, my father, and the two orphans whom we are bound to regard as part of our family until the return of their father, Marshal Simon?  It is on this account, madame, that, if I remain, I run the risk of being arrested.  I have come to you to request you to provide surety for me; so that I should not be compelled to exchange the workshop for the prison, in which case I can answer for it that the fruits of my labor will suffice for all.”

“Thank the stars!” said Adrienne, gayly, “this affair will arrange itself quite easily.  Henceforth, Mr. Poet, you shall draw your inspirations in the midst of good fortune instead of adversity.  Sad muse!  But first of all, bonds shall be given for you.”

“Oh, madame, you have saved us!”

“To continue,” said Adrienne, “the physician of our family is intimately connected with a very important minister (understand that, as you like,” said she, smiling, “you will not deceive yourself much).  The doctor exercises very great influence over this great statesman; for he has always had the happiness of recommending to him, on account of his health; the sweets and repose of private life, to the very eve of the day on which his portfolio was taken from him.  Keep yourself, then, perfectly at ease.  If the surety be insufficient, we shall be able to devise some other means.

“Madame,” said Agricola, with great emotion, “I am indebted to you for the repose, perhaps for the life of my mother.  Believe that I shall ever be grateful.”

“That is all quite simple.  Now for another thing.  It is proper that those who have too much should have the right of coming to the aid of those who have too little.  Marshal Simon’s daughters are members of my family, and they will reside here with me, which will be more suitable.  You will apprise your worthy mother of this; and in the evening, besides going to thank her for the hospitality which she has shown to my young relations, I shall fetch them home.”

At this moment Georgette, throwing open the door which separated the room from an adjacent apartment, hurriedly entered, with an affrighted look, exclaiming: 

“Oh, madame, something extraordinary is going on in the street.”

“How so?  Explain yourself,” said Adrienne.

“I went to conduct my dressmaker to the little garden-gate,” said Georgette; “where I saw some ill-looking men, attentively examining the walls and windows of the little out-building belonging to the pavilion, as if they wished to spy out some one.”