CHAPTER XIV.
A Little Cloud "Rien ne nous rend si grand qu'une grande douleur." Alphonse Giraud and I--between whom had sprung up that friendship of contrasts which Madame de Clericy had foreseen--were in constant communication.

My summons brought him to the Hotel Clericy at once, where he found the ladies already apprised of their bereavement.

He and I set off again for Passy, by train this time, as our need was more urgent.

I despatched instructions to the Vicomte's lawyer to follow by the next train--bringing the undertaker with him.

There was no heir to my patron's titles, but it seemed necessary to observe every formality at this the dramatic extinction of a long and noble line.
As we drove through the streets, the newsboys were shrieking some tidings which we had neither time nor inclination to inquire into at that moment.