"Of course," I answered; and Madame's clever eyes were lifted to my face for a moment.
"You think it the least you can do?"
"I do," said I. "Can you tell me if Alphonse Giraud is in this house?"
[Illustration: MADAME LOOKED AT ME AGAIN. AND I MADE MY INQUIRIES ELSEWHERE.]
"No; I cannot."
"Perhaps Mademoiselle Lucille--"
"Perhaps. You can ask her--if you like."
Madame looked at me again. And I made my inquiries elsewhere.
Chapter XII
Ruin
"Il ne faut regarder dans ses amis que la seule vertu qui nous attache à eux."
If the Baron Giraud was unable in the nature of human affairs to take his wealth with him, it accompanied him, at all events, to the grave, where feathers made a fine show of grief, where priests growled consolatory words, and cherub-faced boys swung themselves and ce
