"You are forgetting your bag, Mademoiselle Thirion," said the
professor, running after the girl, who was now condescending to the
work of a spy to satisfy her jealousy.

The baffled pupil returned for the bag, expressing surprise at her
carelessness; but this act of Servin's was to her fresh proof of the
existence of a mystery, the importance of which was evident. She now
ran noisily down the staircase, and slammed the door which opened into
the Servins' apartment, to give an impression that she had gone; then
she softly returned and stationed herself outside the door of the
studio.



CHAPTER III

LABEDOYERE'S FRIEND

When the painter and Ginevra thought themselves alone, Servin rapped
in a peculiar manner on the door of the dark garret, which turned at
once on its rusty and creaking hinges. Ginevra then saw a tall and
well-made young man, whose Imperial uniform set her heart to beating.
The officer had one arm in a sling, and the pallor of his face
revealed sharp suffering. Seeing an unknown woman, he recoiled.

Amelie, who was unable to look into the room, the door being closed,
was afraid to stay longer; she was satisfied with having heard the
opening of the garret door, and departed noiselessly.

"Fear nothing," said the painter to the officer. "Mademoiselle is the