As Raimond V. passed the laundry, he was surprised not to see Dulceline, and asked where she was.

"Monseigneur," said a young girl with black eyes and cheeks the colour of a pomegranate, "Mile. Dulceline is in the chamber of the philters, with the abbé and Thereson; she is at work on the cradle, and forbids us to enter."

"The devil!" said the baron, "the supper-bell has rung, and the abbé must say grace for us."

He advanced to the door; it was fastened on the inside; he knocked.

"Come, come, abbé, supper is ready, and I am as hungry as the devil."

"One moment, monseigneur," said Dulceline, "we cannot open,—it is a secret."

"What, abbé, you have secrets with Dulceline?" said the old gentleman, laughing.