The horse being all right again, we proceeded on our road after thanking the gentlemen for their courtesy.

Such an every-day occurrence could not be expected to have any serious consequences, but alas! the most important events are often the result of very trifling circumstances! The next day, Dubois breakfasted with us.

He told us frankly that M.
Dutillot had been delighted at the fortunate chance which had afforded him an opportunity of making our acquaintance, and that he had entreated him to ask our permission to call on us.
"On madam or on me ?" I asked at once.
"On both." "Very well, but one at a time.

Madam, as you know, has her own room and I have mine." "Yes, but they are so near each other!" "Granted, yet I must tell you that, as far as I am concerned, I should have much pleasure in waiting upon his excellency if he should ever wish to communicate with me, and you will oblige me by letting him know it.

As for madam, she is here, speak to her, my dear M.Dubois, for I am only her very humble servant." Henriette assumed an air of cheerful politeness, and said to him, "Sir, I beg you will offer my thanks to M.Dutillot, and enquire from him whether he knows me." "I am certain, madam," said the hunchback, "that he does not." "You see he does not know me, and yet he wishes to call on me.