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"Monsieur Massinot, whether she was pretty or not, it is no business of yours to criticise the looks of the clients"

"I did not mean to offend you, Monsieur Mouillard"

"You have not offended me, but you have no business to talk of a 'pretty client' That epithet is not allowed in a pleading, that's all The lady is co back, I suppose?"

"Yes, sir"

Little Madaain, tricked out from head to foot in the latest fashion She was a little flurried on entering a room full of jocular clerks Escorted by Massinot, both of theround, she reached nized me

"Monsieur Mouillard! What a pleasant surprise!"

She held out her hand to ave her mine, and felt sure, from the firm, expressive way in which she clasped it, that Madame Pluht eyes recalledfrom the workshop to the office, full of her love for M Pluainst the wicked cabinetain with Counsellor Boule? I am surprised!"

"So am I, Madame Plumet, very ressing?"

"Not quite so well, poor darling, since I weaned hione back to ?"

"Yes, on my own account this time I have taken the flat opposite to ours, on the saowns I have already three workgirls, and enough custoin with

"One oflady--you knoho! I have not talked to her of you, but I have often wanted to By the way, Monsieur Mouillard, did I do my errand well?"

"What errand?"

"The important one, about the portrait at the Salon"

"Oh, yes; very well indeed I must thank you"

"She came?"

"Yes, with her father"

"Shewas so pretty Plu it I tell you, he and I did not spare ourselves He made a bit of a fuss before he would take the order; he was in a hurry--such a hurry; but when he saw that I was bent on it he gave in And it is not the first tiood soul, Monsieur Mouillard When you know hiood soul he is Well, while he was cutting out the frame, I went to the porter's wife What a business it was! I alad my errand was successful!"