hardly done so, when the young fellow I had seen at the chapel came
round the corner; but I scarcely knew him. He was dressed just like a
working man, in a blouse all over plaster. They talked for about
ten minutes, and Mademoiselle Sabine gave him what looked like a
photograph."

By this time the bottle was empty, and Florestan was about to call for
another, when Mascarin checked him, saying--

"Not to-day; it is growing late, and I must tell you what I want you to
do for me. Is the Count at home now?"

"Of course he is; he has not left his room for two days, owing to having
slipped going downstairs."

"Well, my lad, I must see your master; and if I sent up my card, the
odds are he would not see me, so I rely upon you to show me up without
announcing me."

Florestan remained silent for a few minutes.

"It is no easy job," he muttered, "for the Count does not like
unexpected visitors, and the Countess is with him just now. However, as
I am not going to stay, I'll chance it."

Mascarin rose from his seat.

"We must not be seen together," said he; "I'll settle the score; do you
go on, and I will follow in five minutes. Remember we don't know each
other."