to show that my sagacity has not failed me during my prosperity. I
am in search of the means to reach such an issue; my mind is
occupied by it, Tournebroche."

And as my dear tutor spoke with a noble distinction of that matter,
we came near the pretty dwelling wherein M. de la Gueritude had
lodged Mademoiselle Catherine. "You'll recognise it, she had said to
me, by the roses on the balcony." There was not light enough to see
the roses, but I fancied I could smell them. Advancing a few yards I
saw her at the window watering flowers. She recognised me, laughed,
and threw me kisses with her chubby little hand. Upon that a hand
passing through the open window slapped her cheek. In her surprise
she let the water jug slip out of her hand, it fell down into the
street, at a hair's breadth from my tutor's head. The slapped beauty
disappeared from the window, and the ear-boxer appeared; he leaned
out and shouted:

"Thank God, sir, you are not the Capuchin. I cannot stand seeing my
mistress throw kisses to that stinking beast, who continually prowls
under this window. For once I have not to blush at her choice. You
look quite an honest man, and I believe I have seen you before. Do
me the honour to come up. Within a supper is prepared. You'll do me
a real favour to partake of it, as well as the abbe, who has just
had a pot of water thrown over his head, and shakes himself like a
wetted dog. After supper we'll have a game of cards, and at daybreak
we'll go hence to cut one another's throats. But that will be purely
and simply an act of civility and only to do you honour, sir, for,
in truth, that girl is not worth the thrust of a sword. She is a
hussy. I'll never see her any more."