tell me before, child?'

'I told you as soon as I knew.'

'But you are not going yet?'

'On Monday.'

'O dear! So soon as that! Lord bless me! We can't do anything
before Monday. And when will you be back?'

'I cannot say with certainty. I shall not be long, I daresay.'

'And have they sent for you?'

'No, they have not sent for me, but I want to see them once again.
And I must make up my mind what to do for the future.'

'Don't leave me, George; pray do not leave me!' exclaimed Madame
Faragon. 'You shall have the business now if you choose to take it-
-only pray don't leave me!'

George explained that at any rate he would not desert her now at
once; and on the Monday named he started for Granpere. He had not
been very quick in his action, for a week had passed since he had
given Edmond Greisse his breakfast in the hotel kitchen.



CHAPTER IV.