"There's some pleasure in being your agent.

Now, if you think the right moment has come, I should be glad if you would give me some better light on the mission you are doing me the honor to place in my hands." "You spoke just now," replied du Portail, "of the cousin of Theodose, Mademoiselle Lydie de la Peyrade.

This young woman, who is not in her first youth, for she is nearly thirty, is the natural daughter of the celebrated Mademoiselle Beaumesnil of the Theatre Francais and Peyrade, the commissary-general of police under the Empire, and the uncle of our friend.

Until his death, which occurred suddenly, leaving his daughter, whom he loved tenderly, without means of support, I was bound to that excellent man with the warmest friendship." Glad to show that he had some knowledge of du Portail's interior life, Cerizet hastened to remark:-- "And you have secretly fulfilled the duties of that friendship, monsieur; for, in taking into your home that interesting orphan you assumed a difficult guardianship.

Mademoiselle de la Peyrade's state of health requires, I am told, a care not only affectionate, but persevering." "Yes," replied du Portail, "the poor girl, after the death of her father, was so cruelly tried that her mind has been somewhat affected; but a fortunate change has lately occurred in her condition, and only yesterday I called in consultation Doctor Bianchon and the two physicians-in-charge of Bicetre and the Salpetriere.