Through her interpreter, she desired me to depart now, and come back on the morrow; but this did not suit me: I could not bear to return to the perils of darkness and the street.

With energy, yet with a collected and controlled manner, I said, addressing herself personally, and not the maitresse: "Be assured, madame, that by instantly securing my services, your interests will be served and not injured: you will find me one who will wish to give, in her labour, a full equivalent for her wages; and if you hire me, it will be better that I should stay here this night: having no acquaintance in Villette, and not possessing the language of the country, how can I secure a lodging ?" "It is true," said she; "but at least you can give a reference ?" "None." She inquired after my luggage: I told her when it would arrive.

She mused.

At that moment a man's step was heard in the vestibule, hastily proceeding to the outer door.

(I shall go on with this part of my tale as if I had understood all that passed; for though it was then scarce intelligible to me, I heard it translated afterwards).
"Who goes out now ?" demanded Madame Beck, listening to the tread.
"M.