The wheels revolved less noisily on the fine gravel of a garden, and soon stopped before the stoop of a small house of two floors.

It was there that the young Fromonts lived, and Risler and his wife were to take up their abode on the floor above.

The house had an aristocratic air.

Flourishing commerce avenged itself therein for the dismal street and the out-of-the-way quarter.

There was a carpet on the stairway leading to their apartment, and on all sides shone the gleaming whiteness of marble, the reflection of mirrors and of polished copper.
While Risler was parading his delight through all the rooms of the new apartment, Sidonie remained alone in her bedroom.