In the eyes of both the young people the spectacle was a truly delightful one, and Paul's heart swelled with triumph.

The business had been satisfactorily concluded, and all his misgivings were at an end.
"Come, let us gather round the festive board," said he joyously.

"This is breakfast and dinner in one.

Rose, be seated; and you, my dear friend, will surely share with us the repast we owe to you ?" With many protestations of regret, however, Daddy Tantaine pleaded an important engagement at the other end of Paris.

"And," added he, "it is absolutely necessary that I should see Mascarin this evening, for I must try my best to make him look on you with a favorable eye." Rose was very glad when the old man took his departure, for his ugliness, the shabbiness of his dress, and his general aspect of dirt, drove away all the feelings of gratitude she ought to have evinced, and inspired in her loathing and repugnance; and she fancied that his eyes, though veiled by his colored glasses, could detect the minutest secrets of her heart; but still this did not prevent her putting on a sweet smile and entreating him to remain.
But Daddy Tantaine was resolute; and after impressing upon Paul the necessity of punctuality, he went away, repeating, as he passed through the door, "May good appetite be present at your little feast, my dears." As soon, however, as the door was closed he bent down and listened.