When I entered, the fire was almost got under.

I looked at the man; a dreadful scar disfigured his cheek, and another his forehead; the rest of his face was hidden by a thick beard.

'I thank you, monsieur,' said he; 'but you see all is finished now; if you are as gallant a man as you seem, have the goodness to retire, for my mistress may return at any moment, and will be angry if she sees a stranger here.' "The sound of his voice struck me instantly.

I was about to cry, 'You are the man of La Gypecienne--of the Rue de Lesdiguieres!' for you remember that I had not seen his face before, but only heard his voice, when suddenly a door opened, and a woman entered.

'What is the matter, Remy, and why this noise ?' she asked.