Therefore reflect; you can come and see me again in a few days.

It is possible that between now and then you will find some better investment; and I myself, who am doing at this moment a thing I don't altogether like, may have found other difficulties which I do not now expect." This threat, adroitly thrown out as an afterthought, was intended to immediately clinch the matter.
"I have reflected carefully," said the pious woman, "and I feel sure that in the hands of so religious a man as monsieur I run no risks." Taking from her bosom a little pocket-book, she pulled out twenty-five bank notes.

The rapid manner in which she counted them was a revelation to la Peyrade.

The woman was evidently accustomed to handle money, and a singular idea darted through his mind.
"Can it be that she is making me a receiver of stolen property?
No," he said aloud, "in order to draw up the memorial for the Academy, I must, as I told you, make a few inquiries; and that will give me occasion to call upon you.

At what hour can I see you alone ?" "At four o'clock, when monsieur goes to take his walk in the Luxembourg." "And where do you live ?" "Rue du Val-de-Grace, No.