intimate.

Brevan was just dressing for the opera when Daniel entered his room. He
uttered a cry of delight when he saw him, as he always did.

"What!" he said, "the hermit student from the other side of the river
in this worldly region, and at this hour? What good wind blows you over
here?"

Then, suddenly noticing Daniel's terrified appearance, he added,--

"But what am I talking about? You look frightened out of your wits.
What's the matter?"

"A great misfortune, I fear," replied Daniel.

"How so? What is it?"

"And I want you to help me."

"Don't you know that I am at your service?"

Daniel certainly thought so.

"I thank you in advance, my dear Maxime; but I do not wish to give you
too much trouble. I have a long story to tell you, and you are just
going out"--

But Brevan interrupted him, shaking his head kindly, and saying,--