Wearied and exhausted at length, by all I had gone through, I sat down upon a bench, and, affecting to be overcome by my feelings, concealed my face in my handkerchief.

This was the first moment of relief I experienced since my arrival; but it was not to last long, for the manager, putting down his head close to my ear, whispered-- "Monsieur Meerberger, I have a surprise for you--such as you have not had for some time, I venture to say"-- "I defy you on this head," thought I.

"If they make me out king Solomon now, it will not amaze me"-- "And when I tell you my secret," continued he, "you will acknowledge I cannot be of a very jealous disposition.

Madame Baptiste has just told me she knew you formerly, and that--she--that is, you--were--in fact, you understand--there had been--so to say--a little 'amourette' between you." I groaned in spirit as I thought, now am I lost without a chance of escape--the devil take her reminiscences.
"I see," continued le bon mari, "you cannot guess of whom I speak; but when I tell you of Amelie Grandet, your memory will, perhaps, be better." "Amelie Grandet!" said I, with a stage start.

I need not say that I had never heard the name before.