CHAPTER XXIV.
THE FETE AT COURBEVOIE.
"_Halte la_! I thought I should catch you about this time! They've been giving you unconscionable good measure to-day, though, haven't they?
I thought Bollinet's lecture was always over by three; and here I've been moralizing on the flight of Time for more than twenty minutes." So saying, Mueller, having stopped me as I was coming down the steps of the Hotel Dieu, linked his arm in mine, drew me into a shady angle under the lee of Notre Dame, and, without leaving me time to reply, went on pouring out his light, eager chatter as readily as a mountain-spring bubbles out its waters.
"I thought you'd like to know about the Tapottes, you see--and I was dying to tell you.

I went to your rooms last night between eight and nine, and you were out; so I thought the only sure way was to come here--I know you never miss Bollinet's Lectures.

Well, as I was saying, the Tapottes....

Oh, _mon cher_! I am your debtor for life in that matter of Milord Smithfield.

It has been the making of me.