The emotions which agitated she heart of Adrienne, became so violent, that her fine face was flushed with a bright red, her bosom heaved, and her large, black eyes, lately dimmed by sadness, once more shone with a mild radiance.  She waited with inexpressible impatience for what was to follow.  In the interview, with which Rose-Pompon had threatened her, and which a few minutes before Adrienne would have declined with all the dignity of legitimate indignation, she now hoped to find the explanation of a mystery, which it was of such importance for her to clear up.  After once more tenderly embracing Mother Bunch, Rose-Pompon got up from the ground, and, turning towards Adrienne, eyed her from head to foot, with the utmost coolness, and said to her, in a somewhat impertinent tone:  “It is now our turn, madame”—­the word “madame” still pronounced with the accent before described—­“we have a little matter to settle together.”

“I am at your order,” answered Adrienne, with much mildness and simplicity.

At sight of the triumphant and decisive air of Rose-Pompon, and on hearing her challenge to Mdlle. de Cardoville, the worthy Agricola, after exchanging a few words with Mother Bunch, opened his eyes and ears very wide, and remained staring in amazement at the effrontery of the grisette; then, advancing towards her, he whispered, as he plucked her by the sleeve:  “I say, are you mad?  Do you know to whom you speak?”

“Well! what then?  Is not one pretty woman worth another!  I say that for the lady.  She will not eat me, I suppose,” replied Rose-Pompon, aloud, and with an air of defiance.  “I have to talk with madame, here.  I am sure, she knows why and wherefore.  If not, I will tell her; it will not take me long.”

Adrienne, who feared some ridiculous exposure on the subject of Djalma, in the presence of Agricola, made a sign to the latter, and thus answered the grisette:  “I am ready to hear you, miss, but not in this place.  You will understand why.”

“Very well, madame, I have my key.  You can come to any apartments”—­the last word pronounced with an air of ostentatious importance.

“Let us go then to your apartments, miss since you to me the honor to receive me there,” answered Mdlle. de Cardoville, in her mild, sweet voice, and with a slight inclination of the head, so full of exquisite politeness, that Rose-Pompon was daunted, notwithstanding all her effrontery.

“What, lady!” said Agricola to Adrienne; “you are good enough—­”

“M.  Agricola,” said Mdlle. de Cardoville, interrupting him, “please to remain with our poor friend:  I shall soon be back.”

Then, approaching Mother Bunch, who shared in Agricola’s astonishment she said to her:  “Excuse me for leaving you a few seconds.  Only regain a little strength, and, when I return, I will take you home with me, dear sister.”

Then, turning towards Rose-Pompon, who was more and more surprised at hearing so fine a lady call the workgirl her sister, she added:  “I am ready whenever you please, mademoiselle.”