THE REVELATIONS OF AN OPERA-GLASS

Antonin Goulard left the little group of young ladies, in which,
besides Cecile and Ernestine, were Mademoiselle Berton, daughter of
the tax-collector,--an insignificant young person who played the part
of satellite to Cecile,--and Mademoiselle Herbelot, sister of the
second notary of Arcis, an old maid of thirty, soured, affected, and
dressed like all old maids; for she wore, over a bombazine gown, an
embroidered fichu, the corners of which, gathered to the front of the
bodice, were knotted together after the well-known fashion under the
Terror.

"Julien," said the sub-prefect to his valet, who was waiting in the
antechamber, "you who served six years at Gondreville ought to know
how a count's coronet is made."

"Yes, monsieur; it has pearls on its nine points."

"Very good. Go to the Mulet, and try to clap your eye on the tilbury
of the gentleman who is stopping there, and then come and tell me what
is painted on it. Do your business thoroughly, and bring me all the
gossip of the inn. If you see the little groom, ask him at what hour
to-morrow his master can receive the sub-prefect--in case you find the
nine pearls. Don't drink, don't gossip yourself, and come back
quickly; and as soon as you get back let me know it by coming to the
door of the salon."

"Yes, monsieur."

The Mulet inn, as we have already said, stands on the square, at the