"Of course he shall have some," said Madame Phellion; "not a flask, but a gallon.""And I," said Minard, "who pique myself on mine, which didn't come from Brigitte's grocer either, I'll send him several bottles; but don't tell him who sent them, Monsieur le chevalier, for you never can tell how that singular being will take things.""Wife," said Phellion, suddenly, "get me my black coat and a white cravat.""Where are you going?" asked Madame Phellion. "To the minister, to thank him?""Bring me, I say, those articles of habiliment. I have an important visit to make; and Monsieur le maire will, I know, excuse me.""I myself must be off," said Minard. "I, too, have important business, though it isn't about a star."Questioned in vain by Felix and his wife, Phellion completed his attire with a pair of white gloves, sent for a carriage, and, at the end of half an hour, entered the presence of Brigitte, whom he found presiding over the careful putting away of the china, glass, and silver which had performed their several functions the night before.

Leaving these housekeeping details, she received her visitor.

"Well, papa Phellion," she said, when they were both seated in the salon, "you broke your word yesterday; you were luckier than the rest.