A Great Man of the Provinces in Paris

how his ticket. " I have none." " Then you cannot enter," was the curt reply. " But I belong to Madame d'Espard's party." '' We know nothing of that," said the box-keeper, exchanging an imperceptible smile with his colleagues. Just then a carriage drew up under the peristyle. A chasseur, whom Lucien did not recognize, let down the steps of a coupe, from which two women in evening dress descended. Lucien, who did not wish to receive an insolent request from the box-keeper to stand aside, made way for the two ladies. " That lady is the Marquise d'Espard whom you pretended to know," said the box-keeper, sarcastically. Lucien was dumfounded, all the more because Madame de Bargeton seemed not to recognize him in his new plumage. But when he approached her she smiled and said: ? " This is fortunate ; come." The men in the box-office were sobered. Lucien followed Madame de Bargeton, who, as she went up the broad staircase of the Opera-house, presented her Rubempre to Madame d'Espard. The box of the Gentlemen of the Bedchamber is the one that stands projected at the lower end of the auditorium ; the occupants can see all, and every one present can see them. Lucien placed himself in a chair behind Madame de Bargeton, glad to remain in the shade. " Monsieur de Rubempre," said the marquise in a flattering tone of voice, " you have come to the Opera- house for the first time, and you ought to have a full view of it. Take this seat; place yourself...