Is it not a gentleman's sworn duty to devote himself to the defence of an imprudent beauty who is in danger ?" "I will bring you the proof you want," said the carpenter.
"When ?" "Meet me Monday at four o'clock in the afternoon at the cross-roads near the corner of the Come woods." "At the end of the park ?" "Yes, a little above the rocks." "I will be there.

Until then, you will not say a word to anybody ?" "That is a bargain, since you buy the goods I have for sale--" "Here is some money to bind the trade," replied the artist.

And he handed him the silver pieces he still held in his hand; Lambernier took them this time without any objections, and put them in his pocket.
"Monday, at four o'clock!" "Monday, at four o'clock!" repeated Marillac, as he mounted his horse and rode away in great haste as if eager to take leave of his companion.
He turned when he reached the road, and, looking behind him, saw the workman standing motionless at the foot of the tree.
"There is a scamp," thought he, "whose ball and chain are waiting for him at Toulon or Brest, and I have just concluded a devilish treaty with him.

Bah! I have nothing to reproach myself with.

Of two evils choose the least; it remains to be seen whether Gerfaut is the dupe of a coquette or whether his love is threatened with some catastrophe; at all events, I am his friend, and I ought to clear up this mystery and put him on his guard." "Ten francs to-day, and ten napoleons Monday," said Lambernier as, with an eye in which there was a mixture of scorn and hatred, he watched the traveller disappear.