"M.

Perpignan is out," said she.
"When will he be back ?" "Some time this evening." "Can you tell me where I can find him, as it is of the utmost importance to both of us that I should see him at once ?" "He did not say where he was going to." "Perhaps he is at the factory," said Tantaine blandly.
The fat woman was utterly taken aback by this suggestion.

"What do you know about that ?" faltered she.
"You see I _do_ know, and that is sufficient for you.

Come, is he there ?" "I think so." "Thank you, I will call on him then.

An awfully long journey," muttered Tantaine, as he turned away; "but, perhaps, if I catch the worthy man in the midst of all his little business affairs, he will be more free in his language, and not so guarded in his actual admissions." The old man went to his task with a will.