John, Russian driver E-Book

Max du Veuzit

• Herausgeber: Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Seitenzahl: 404

Beschreibung

Michelle Jourdan-Ferrières, a proud young girl whose father is a wealthy industrialist, employs a young Russian man as her new driver.

Leseprobe

John, Russian driver

Pages de titreIIIIIIIVVVIVIIVIIIIXXXIXIIXIIIXIVXVXVIXVIIXVIIIXIXXXXXIXXIIXXIIIXXIVXXVXXVIXXVIIXXVIIIXXIXXXXXXXIXXXIIXXXIIIXXXIVXXXVXXXVIXXXVIIXXXVIIIXXXIXXLXLICopyright

Max the Veuzit

John, Russian driver

Max the Veuzit is the pen name of Alphonsine Zéphirine Vavasseur, born in Petit-Quevilly 29 October 1876 and died in Bois-Colombes 15 April 1952. It is a French language writer, author of numerous romance novels with great success.

I

Long car in sedan, sober color but impeccable shape, stretched into the aisle courtyard of a large mansion of the Avenue Marceau in Paris.

Sitting on the step, his nose buried in a brochure, the driver, a large blond man of about thirty years, awaiting orders.

There was more than an hour when the man read from the top of the majestic flight of steps down from the hotel, appeared Michelle Jourdan-Ferrières, the daughter of former canning manufacturer, well known today in the world of international finance.

She was a little high, so fine, so distinguished in his dark suit that clung to her eyes involuntarily to detail with pleasure.

The little haughty head, regular profile, threw back with a haughty charm made a reservation and pride.

The immense fortune of his father, a brave man, but poor intellectuality, who thought of higher gasoline for having carried out on canned supplies, the State, profits reaching the rate normal for him to three hundred and fifty percent had Michelle particular being, half-cynical, half naive.

Fundamentally honest and right, it is not admitted, however, that one of his desires could be defeated.

A mother could have mitigated, perhaps, that his character was too deliberate and too proud. But Michelle had lost her mother when she was very young, and his father, remarried a few years later, had given her stepmother for a pretty woman and insignificant, too tidy to be good educator, too imbued his small person to think of others.

The second Mrs. Jourdan-Ferrières was not mean; she loved her daughter-in his own way and not thwarted his will, provided they were not in contradiction with the need to be beautiful, to look ageless and remain the most elegant among the best dressed in her friends.

Such female education had given Michelle all differences of an abandoned character in itself and that the only control of hubris prevents hurt.

Flattered by all the regulars of the house, sought in marriage by a court of worshipers dazzled before the golden calf personified by Mr. Jourdan-Ferrières, slavishly obeyed all the servants for which his slightest wishes were orders .. pay. Michelle was gradually used to the dominance that gives money to most people.

In his personal soul and proud at the same time, she knew that everything is bought and paid! With gold you can buy everything: jewelry, Toilet, honor ... even consciences! And although she was barely more than twenty years, the contempt that almost perpetually marked his lips was not a contempt order.

There was truly in itself, an obscure disgust for this modern mentality that prevails since the war in perpetual adoration before the money wherever it comes from, for all these worldly Rastas we subjugates to all these parasitic creatures ready to turn into slaves of his every whim.

And she was in the street, head high, hovering above all, convinced of its overwhelming superiority on the eternal crowd, thinking of almost divine essence, because, not knowing the need, she also knew the meanness, the platitudes, the compromises, the same humility of the whole current anonymous crowd after his daily bread or after a little superfluous.

When Michelle came to the car, she stopped.

Just steps from her, she looked at the driver, still reading, had not noticed. It retailed for a moment the regular profile, blond hair, thick and wavy, powerful shoulders, thin hands with long fingers, pink nails ... if cared that whole race seemed to be in such ends.

She thought:

"Damn! the handsome boy ! "

But because his thoughts had granted a tribute to this man, she straightened stronger head to fill this intimate condescension.

And the cold voice, so cold in his disdain wanted, she asked:

- Say, man! You're the new driver?

Thus challenged, this one turned his head toward her. He saw the girl so pretty and neat in his luxury fashionable.

With one bound he rose, dazzled by this gracious vision.

- Yes, miss, he said simply, without servility.

She admired, in itself, his stature that made him, with his broad shoulders, a true colossus.

- You are my special service ... My dad told you?

Jourdan-Ferrières warned me that I would be exclusively the commands of Mademoiselle.

She felt a faint humming in his voice.

At the same time, she noticed white skin, blue eyes glow with changing the wave nostalgic look.

- You are abroad? She remarked.

- I am Russian.

- And your name is?

- Alexander Isborsky.

The still head thrown back, she continued to look downward.

Lip, she noticed with disdain:

- Alexander! This name is dreadful for a driver! ... It's like this Russian origin! This is not a reference, that! Russian! This is an evocation of revolutionaries, anarchists, even to the Soviets! You will call you John and you shut up nationality.

The man had a slight start. On his pale face, a flame passed and in his indolent eyes, a steel glow filtrate.

One second, he seemed to hesitate on the response to make.

But she, without looking down and not wanting to notice the sudden indignation of eyes, threw with his very decided tone, climbing in the car:

- John! Speed ​​worldly Galleries.

Already closed the door on her, pressed into the luxurious upholstery and soft, indifferent to evil driver recovered from his surprise, she walked daintily, carefully, his rice powder puff on her face glowing with youth.

The hesitation of the young man had barely lasted. In his eyes, the astonishment gave way to a kind of irony.

"Some new rich! He thought with pity. A beautiful shell, but a peasant soul. "

And, quietly, perhaps with resignation wave of Slavic people that they can not help, he mounted his seat and start the engine, slowly, smoothly, quietly, did start the car.

II

Before the store that the girl had told his driver, Michelle took the ear trumpet.

- John! stop! She threw.

The car stopped.

- I've changed my mind, 'she said. Take me to the Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix.

- Well.

Despite this approval, the driver seemed to hesitate.

Michelle saw him reach a small indicator of the streets of Paris and see.

She resumed acoustics.

- You know the way to go?

- The location of the church escapes me, miss.

- Up the street from Almond.

She could see the astonishment that appeared on the features of the young man, but as he remained silent, she insisted:

- I tell you, up the street from Almond. You do not know ? Over there ! in Ménilmontant.

- If I see! but I thought I had misheard.

A nervousness shook Michelle.

- Come on, scoot, if you know where it is! You will think tomorrow.

Again, the car rushed, smooth and quiet on hand that guided her.

The young Russian was surprised a little. Unaccustomed, no doubt, to serve as arrogant millionaire masters that this doll, it was strange destination chosen by the girl. He knew enough to know that Paris neighborhood street of Almond was not usually frequented by locals avenues surrounding the Star.

However, after half an hour, after enjoying a space to learn quietly from the church's location, he was quitting to Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix.

Michelle had itself open the door, the driver having remained right in his seat.

As he looked up at the beautiful church with a team of workers was cleaning the roof, grabbed Michelle anger.

- You can take care of the door when I have to go down. So do your service instead of yawning, nose in the air!

The Russian dropped his eyes on Michelle.

- I apologize to miss, but Jourdan-Ferrières quoted me a footman would miss when in the world.

- We are not in the desert, it seems! I want you to completely make your service to me.

He did not answer.

He looked a few steps a young girl who had fallen. In the fall, a liter of wine, she was carrying in his arms was broken.

Upright, small hands in blood, the child watched with distress broken glass and spilled wine on his feet.

Great sobs shook his little chest.

John - now we will give him that name because that is how the Jourdan-Ferrières family should designate - had strongly jumped from the car and jumped darted toward the girl.

- You're hurt you, little one?

- This is the liter. I'll be beaten.

Inclined towards the child, the Russian had seized small hands numb and verified abrasions, minor, thankfully.

- Do not cry, darling, I'll give you the price of your bottle of wine and you will not be beaten.

At the same time, he put a five-franc note in the hand of the child.

- Hey, go get another bottle ... and am very careful not to fall again.

The child slipped away, her tears suddenly dried up.

Michelle had followed this scene without moving.

It was some forbidden freedom taken by his driver while she was talking to him.

And then, people had stopped, staring at the car and its occupants; and Michelle hated putting on a show.

As the Russian came back, she murmured lip service, but loud enough for him to hear:

- Philanthropist and Humanitarian?

He turned his head toward her.

- No, miss. Selfish simply.

- How selfish?

- I do not like to see a child cry.

Michelle shook a bad mood:

- Well ! me, she said simply, I do not like these public demonstrations of generosity. In my presence, kindly keep the correction control is required of you.

Between her half-closed eyes, the driver gazed at the young proud head that called him as servility.

He remained standing motionless, impeccable. Her lips were able to retain the irony that rose in him.

Michelle had to settle for this heavy silence.

Happy to have made him feel the weight of his authority, she said, more kindly:

- John! You'll be here waiting for me! I may be long enough, you do not mind, stay here.

- Well, miss.

She took a few steps to the entrance of the church, then turned and looked at the driver.

He was back on his seat, indifferent and decoration around, he resumed his book and resumed his reading.

The daughter of Jourdan-Ferrières hesitated: this icy driver required it more than it admitted itself.

But it was not to be often prey to procrastination.

She quickly returned to the car and, colloquially, asked:

- John! How my father he gives you every month as wages?

- Eighteen hundred francs, miss, the young man replied surprised at the question.

- Plague! It pays you well!

- Because I do not take my meals at the hotel. I eat and sleep outside.

- Ah! you eat and ... well! John, I will give you as much as my father I want to be well served.

He made a vague gesture of protest and said without enthusiasm:

- Thank miss ... I was willing to serve well.

- Yes, that's understood, but I'm very independent. Now, I want not only to be obeyed passively, but be free to do as I please, without my people feel obliged to worry or watch me.

He remained silent, wondering where she was going.

As he was silent, she continued:

- As for you especially, I want you to have ears to not hear and eyes to not see.

He nodded a nod.

- You see, she insisted. I absolutely count on the silence of my driver.

- I will be silent, he promised.

- This is an essential condition of our pact. At the slightest indiscretion, as the smallest curiosity, you lose the benefits I concede and that, combined with what you give my father, assure you nice monthly earnings.

Again, the man's eyes were a sharp flame. Why insist that girl so awkwardly on the issue of money, since he had to assure his silence?

- All my discretion is acquired you, replied he coolly.

- It is well understood: we agree?

- Yes, miss.

He wanted to add:

"What do you want it done to me, everything about you! "

But he restrained himself, he had lips that disparaging thoughts.

It was at a decided and Michelle unpleasant air that clashed character Slave haunted nostalgic reveries.

And the haughty tone, practical reflections, seemed moved him on such young lips.

As she ran, this time to the church, not a warning, he watched her thoughtfully.

She was pretty, certainly. His height made her look more womanly, but it was only an appearance, large dark eyes, mouth so red, the frail neck, transparent skin; this was still a child ... and a cheeky and rude kid!

By engaging Ms. Jourdan-Ferrières had said:

- You will be focused exclusively on my daughter. She has twenty years and all the curiosities of life. I count on you to know his ally impatience and speed of madness to his safety. That's life of my only child I entrust to your driver skill. Think you can take responsibility for this task confidence?

He accepted, sure of his long automotive experience.

But right now, he said that if he had better known the daughter of Mr. Jourdan-Ferrières, it might be denied.

Serve did not cost him. He was determined to be blameless in his work. In accepting the chauffeur to which nothing so far had prepared, it was resolved to suffer all the disadvantages as to accept any profits.

And now he saw that Michelle's arrogance was thrilling pride. Female mouth was too pretty to give orders as dry. Would he have the strength to remain silent under the sarcasm of the spoiled child? Finally, could he accept money that a woman would offer him?

Long reverie prevailed in this painful cycle of daily annoyances. He had only just come into office, and already he felt infinitely tired of the effort it would take to provide.

He remained inert, brain numb, far from this corner of Ménilmontant where the whim of a young girl had led.

Suddenly he started.

A voice beside him, said his firm tone:

- John! The Champs Elysees, at Elisa.

And already, the girl rushed into the car.

Russian's eyes fell on the small clock display located next to the speedometer. And while he starts, to his astonishment. he read four forty hours.

The daughter of Jourdan-Ferrières had remained a quarter to the church Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix.

III

Life continued normally to the hotel from the Avenue Marceau.

John, impeccable in his seat, was driving the girl in all worldly places in the capital.

Twice before they had come to the church Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix, but that day, the parking lot is being extended more than usual, the driver, worrying suddenly descended from his seat and had entered the church.

The holy place was deserted.

Between the pillars or corner chapels, no female form not specified. A door opening on the side opposite to that where Michelle penetrated, made him understand where the girl was away after entering the church.

He expected, but still felt a disappointment.

From day one, he had the suspicion of a cover-up.

Michelle Jourdan-Ferrières should not come to his devotions in such a remote church in his neighborhood.

Such a wealth of precautions to conceal his whereabouts began in her sadness. What painful or shameful secret she was trying to hide in populated corner where no one would think to look?

He returned to his car for ten minutes when the girl finally reappeared.

Her eyes were bloodshot and seemed greatly moved.

- Quick, John, move away.

Without a word, he noticed his worried look, the panic of his face, his trembling hands.

"It was heated! , "He thought as he started the car.

His firm conviction was that Michelle had a clandestine meeting ... some love disproportionate to his social position or his fortune?

And a little contempt slipped him for this young millionaire who ran such adventures.

The haughty picture - very pure too, he recognized - the girl did not fit well with the assumption that flirt guilty.

The fact was, though, that she herself had demanded the utmost discretion of the driver. Proudly, she had not proclaimed his desire to complete independence? Among the usual dating of the girl, John tried in vain to whom she could forget the natural reserve of her sex.

He saw no one, really, who could earn the luxury of precautions taken would have the girl.

Should we assume some morbid curiosity or a blemish hidden?

Truth compels us to say that the young Russian was experiencing a complex sense of bitterness and anger at this inopportune thought he was the unwitting accomplice of a bad adventure.

On this day especially, awareness of John shouting high and reproached the passive role he was playing. Would not it be more honest to plant there the maid and her mysterious ways?

Yet bringing the long absences of Michelle and the emotion she showed when he returned, he thought that his rebellion was a little late.

"Presumably, we came for the last time in this remote area: today, it must be breaking! "

In this he was mistaken.

A few days passed without Michelle ordered him to take the road of Menilmontant. But one afternoon the following week, she reappeared at the top of the steps, dressed again in his dark suit. And John guessed what direction they would take.

She came to him, without haste, without looking.

Ready to mount, however, she said quietly, not to be understood that it:

- Win Crowns Metro. Here, I tell you.

He obeyed, sensing something new.

A few meters from the station, funereal memory of the Crowns, the car stopped.

For acoustics, Michelle ordered:

- Come here, John.

Startled, he turned his head toward the girl with an ice separated him.

It showed his finger the empty place next to it.

He did not look in amazement the strange familiarity, nor satisfaction unexpected favor; and unhurried, as naturally as possible, he obeyed and sat next to Michelle.

- John, listen to me. I need you and you must understand my desire to half word.

- I am at your service.

- You must come with me in a house where I was forced to go.

- And the car?

- We leave the next to the church ... in some corner where you deem it to be safe.

- Good! and where will we go?

- In a small alley ... at the bottom of a passage.

- Behind the church?

- No, lower ... ... right up the street from Almond.

- Will I have something to wear or do?

- No, come with me, please.

- Well ! I am at your service, 'he repeated.

He thought that the request of the girl was strange. What did this desire to be accompanied by him?

As if she sensed in his silence the thoughts he was not speaking, she continued:

- I will visit an unhappy one friend recommended me ...

- charity tour?

- Yes, just.

There was in him a kind of relief.

- And this man wants you?

- A lot ... and I know how to do, exactly. He has bad habits ... due to its environment, certainly. It would take it from there ... I thought you could help me.

She spoke hesitantly, looking a little humble, spying on the face of his companion reflexes that his words were born.

But John remained impenetrable.

This attitude of Michelle, both embarrassed and pleading, was so little in his habits as the Slave was disoriented.

He said again:

- I am available.

This assertion, for now, would suffice to Michelle.

He feared, adding some other dedication speech, seem to enjoy his supplications.

And this fear was so close to the truth that at this time the daughter of Mr. Jourdan-Ferrières realized that for the first time, his pride had to bend to the point of talking to do humbly lower.

This finding put in it a burning hot iron. She raised her head and her lips resumed their entire morgue.

- Come on, John, come back to your place and drive the car as agreed.

He felt the tip that came from the sting, but attached no importance.

He thought he was going to fully know the secret of Michelle Jourdan-Ferrières ... and that secret was not a trivial flirtation nor the suspected adventure he had assumed.

IV

The car was row along a sidewalk in front of a power house in the display of which a large man stood.

John begged the merchant to please watch the car. It was a useful precaution in that area. Then they went after Michelle, adjusting his step to hers. It was the first time they went in company together. Although she was tall for a woman, she seemed small to him.

But this remark does not concern, certainly.

They had barely made twenty steps obsess by Michelle thought held her companion.

- John, I must warn you. The last time two men followed me and made me afraid.

- What did they want?

- Oh ! I think these gentlemen ... special ... in a cap ... They do not usually speak respectfully to women. They took me to ...

- For one of them! he finished as she hesitated.

- Exactly ! said she was delighted that he had understood.

She was relieved to have spoken. He was warned now, and would not be caught off guard if both terrible snowmen reappeared.

The blue eyes of the slave, as an intimate reflection, wrapped the girl.

He guessed that it was out of fear that she was accompanying him. So he was going to play with her the role of protector.

The thought amused him. But he was careful not to express his feelings.

Michelle did not suspect was that John reflections. But she was reassured by the presence of it.

A glance she threw him filled her with a sense of security.

Who would dare tackle it together with such a colossus?

They arrived in a narrow alley, dirty, smelly. Cloths hung from the squalid facades, ragged children playing in the single stream bisecting the length of the impasse.

- It's over there ? asked the driver who, despite his impassive, was the abject place.

- Yes, at the bottom.

- And here you are now here, alone?

- Yes.

- Well ! my compliments. You have no fear for a young girl raised in an environment so different from this one.

In assessing the Russian, she felt like a hidden blame.

- I'm not afraid, she replied haughtily.

But despite his tone of pride, there was a sadness in his eyes looking away.

They had passed the middle of the footpath.

In the background, a group of individuals causing sinister-looking front door.

- They, Michelle made by designating them to his companion.

At the same time, she slackened his pace.

- And where are we going?

- Well ... the door behind them, she pointed in precisely designating the dark corridor which they hid the opening.

The group, still, was silent in their approach.

- On what floor ? hastily asked the driver.

- Third, she said tersely, suddenly tight throat before men, motionless, staring at the.

John did not prevaricated. He grabbed Michelle's arm.

- Well ! going, he said loudly, pushing in the desired direction. Excuse me, gentlemen.

The strong voice, the bold gesture were an order.

They parted and let go a couple, a little surprised perhaps the colossal size of the Russian.

A glance allowed John to see, on the right, a low door open to a smoky room and ladle, where a dozen people were sitting.

He thought :

"What cutthroat! "

And despite himself, climbing, he made sure he was not followed.

When they were up in the narrow room where a man of about sixty years received them, the driver left break his bad mood.

- You have ideas, miss, come to love in such a place! Are you being here? Do you think your father would be pleased to hear of such eccentricities!

It was the first time he dared to speak to him so boldly. He, usually so courteous and so reserved, was really unhappy.

- What to say? replied she, offended. You may ...

- To blame you? Ah! certainly I did not want to grapple with apache and if we happened some unfortunate adventure, everyone would be entitled to wonder what we were doing, you and I, in such a place.

- You fear for your reputation, she said wryly.

- Maybe for yours too, he explained as gently as he realized she was trembling.

Fear or anger, indeed, Michelle had sunk into a chair and shivered nervously,

He came toward her.

- Forgive me: I was too keen, but the place seemed to me so notorious that the thought of seeing you with me revolted me.

He took her hands in his and patted gently.

The man they came to see was to look worn and shabby.

Tall and thin, with black hair for his age, he still had beautiful features, but vice, misery, grief, perhaps, had printed on his face a mask of tragic premature senility.

- We could perhaps send relief that you intend for him ... or set it a go anywhere else to give him.

- This unfortunate is half paralyzed now, she replied meekly. And I promised to take care of him, not abandon it. A promise is sacred, it becomes a duty.

The tragic appeared in his black eyes.

- Duty ! Oh ! Yes, believe it is a duty ... On the inescapable duty and not an eccentricity as you said just now.

He saw her eyes fill with tears and his hands nervously knot on his chest as if to his emotion.

The driver, surprised, turned to the man and extensively examined. His eyes several times, went the fresh face of his companion to the miserable withered features.

No possible resemblance between these two people.

They were great and both brown, but then stopped reconciliation.

The look of the Russian explored the room.

An iron bed in the corner, left lying on shore, sheets and blanket in a messy mess.

Still, the mattresses and bedding were new, such as a velvet armchair and two cane chairs. And John thought the scholarship Michelle had helped purchase.

On a table, glasses, half-filled bottles and leftover sausages in a paper. Along the walls, on land, many paint canvases stacked against each other showing their rough backs covered in dust. An easel in the middle of the room was a painting of an unfinished woman's head.

The driver started.

The portrait was already old. He must have started long ago, but it seemed to the young man, in the woman about thirty years, he represented, he found the traits of Michelle Jourdan-Ferrières.

And the young Slave dreamily thought that, no doubt, was the thread of the plot which forced his young mistress to visit the old man.

Now the girl bustled into the room. Courageously, the young millionaire had removed his jacket and put some order in the bed covers

- Why is it that whether you are obliged to do this work? John asked quietly coming toward her. This man must be able to find in the middle, the support it needs.

She made a gesture of discouragement:

- I have already given money ... a lot already ... Every time, the unfortunate promised me to clean his room, his clothes, I never see any result.

Hesitantly, she showed impressive lot of empty bottles piled up in a corner.

- I believe that evil is there, she said softly.

- You are mistaken, I do not drink, intervened with the wretched height.

John winced. The man's tone was something distinguished contrasting with the sordid environment in which he lived.

And as the driver examined it more closely, he saw the fold of the lips draw the same curve arrogant that he had sometimes noticed at Michelle. It was only a flash, but just to confirm the Slave in his bold hypothesis.

The same blood flowed in the veins of his boss and those of the poor. To what degree were they parents? This is what John could not specify, but what he could not doubt now that they were of the same race.

- Let's see, 'he said, addressing the unknown, what do you miss the money give you?

- I had small debts and I pay little by little ... In this district all hounds against a defenseless man everyone knows when you come and see me when you left, they all come collect their tithe you have given me.

Michelle shrugged, perhaps jaded of these complaints that he had already expressed.

- Will you allow me to find a solution? John asked.

- Oh ! I do not mind! As you are aware, now, help me from your experience; you have to know the people, you!

He did not answer.

Suddenly he thought he had thought about the long, the people of Russia. Illusions and beliefs had led to the horrible massacre in which all those he loved had died ...

Really ! If he had that knowledge of the people to encourage them to save the human wreckage that Michelle came to see, it would be a little confident auxiliary.

- Because you complain of the environment around here, would you leave the room to go and live elsewhere? He asked the old man.

- Yes, the maid has to take me with her. I would make him small services I grow old and happy.

In this proposal, Michelle had to hand an energetic gesture of protest. No ! of course, she could not accept, under the pretext of charity or even duty, such promiscuity.

This was no doubt in the mind of the driver. He did not even raise the words of the old man.

- Listen to me, he continued, we will shoot you here. When everything is settled, we will send you seek.

- Where you drive me? I want to know.

- We'll see about that! It is also useless to you specify in advance. The people around you do not have to sue you.

- And if I refuse to leave here without knowing where I'm going?

- Well ! My friend, you stay. Only tell you that this is the last time you see us home.

Michelle tried to intervene, but the young Russian insisted gesture and look to keep talking.

- Let me discuss this question, miss. We will not keep the whole neighborhood at your expense under pretext of philanthropy toward this man.

And, again turned to the old man:

- Think, 'he said. For us, this is our last word.

The young Russian did not seem to let soften. He came to Michelle, he withdrew a glass she wiped bravely:

- Leave this task to other hands. Friends who come here to keep company with this man and help him spend your gift may, in exchange for these indulgences, to clean his room.

Captivated by the authority that emanated from the young man gave Michelle cleaning.

He continued:

- Give her enough money to live a month. By then, there will be new to him. And warn him, especially, you do not forgive the foot here.

She hesitated, because, really, the ultimatum posed as John was talking to the old man to itself. Although it might seem unpleasant to obey the entreaties of his driver, she resigned herself to act as he advised.

She realized that she would not dare ever venture into this place without being accompanied. And, secondly, to whom would confide it to follow in this fitted, if John refused again to come with her? Despite their apparent submission, clear eyes of the Russian showed some desire, and she understood that it would be awkward to hit this one allied front.

The old man took leave in terms that John had indicated.

As they reached the door, the man groaned.

- This is, of course, do not leave me, I'll do whatever you want.

- Well ! it's perfect, count on us.

And John aside to let Michelle.

V

The door to the miserable housing closed behind them, they found themselves in the dark cage of the dilapidated staircase.

Standing on the top step, Michelle leaned his head. He seemed to perceive whispers down, and she hesitated, frightened again.

John pulled a lighter from his pocket and lit it. The glimmer allowed to see the cage of the deserted staircase.

- Get behind me, he said simply.

And he went down, the sound of his no man hitting the stairs resounded tremendously to the ears of Michelle, who would have preferred to go unnoticed.

As they reached the last turn, John paused for a second.

Some types sinister mines blocking the hallway.

With a quick gesture he clapped his chauffeur's cap on his ear, walked a bit on her forehead, and, familiarly, his left arm came circle the size of Michelle, and pushed forward.

- Come, my dear, goes before, I'm here.

She instantly understood the meaning of the gesture and the Russian words. And, although his heart was beating strongly in her chest, she walked over to the group and apologized.

Since they do not differ fast enough, and that one of them wore a familiar hand to the chin of Michelle's voice echoed in the driver thunder.

- acre, the same! This is it for tomorrow?

There were so threatening energy, so many hostile force in the tone of companion Michelle, the men drew up a bit, turning to him.

They saw, neck tucked into the shoulders, sneaky head under the deformed cap, concealing his right hand in the pocket a hidden weapon. Instinctively, they went backward.

The bold attitude, coupled with the enormous size of the Russian, still required them once, and they dispersed cautiously, not caring to enter into conflict with such a giant.

By dodging the common room, one of them exclaimed with admiration:

- He has no livers, the guy!

Those who were out in the street stared Michelle passed.

- Nice, your lanterns!

- Hey ! the same, you regalia? There are not that old that are interesting.

The eyes dilated with fear, Michelle took a step back, suddenly mowed the legs.

The arm of John came to pass under his, and to support the cause, while the men parted cautiously while launching far by bluster, insipid jokes.

The girl was pale and so strongly that moved the young Russian had to maintain his grip along the way.

She let herself go, eyes half closed, pressed against him, as a small unconscious thing.

And he, in silence, guided his steps, slowly, smoothly to allow it to recover.

He remembered his proud reply, an hour ago:

- I'm never afraid.

And he smiled full of indulgence for this weakness that was based on it, and the woman was really doing at this moment.

They put more than ten minutes to reach the car.

As they arrived and she was going to take place in the interior of the car, she saw behind the group of individuals who amused themselves follow from afar.

- John! They are there, she said, distracted again.

- Oh ! Now, what can they do? he said quietly. Go up, will you?

He opened the door to her.

- No, no, not there! Next to you ! She screamed in terror.

And, abruptly shutting the door, she rushed to the front seat.

- Quick, John! Oh ! quickly leave.

Without hurry, because he did not give the impression of an escape their pursuers, the driver started the engine.

The car started up when the apache group arrived at their height.

There were a few shouts, whistles; the sound of an automatic pistol shot crashed near them.

- Missed, said John, coolly.

- They shot?

- Yes, the tires, I think.

- But these men are bandits!

- They are at home, we did not have to visit them. This luxury car insult to their misery.

- You know that I was going home for a charitable purpose.

- In their eyes, it was not a bad plan they had set their sights on you.

- No doubt they would have killed me, is not it?

- No, he said, smiling. I believe on the contrary they wanted to learn to live their lives ....

- Oh ! I'd be scared to death.

- You see that we should not return to that area.

He added, mocking himself:

- I did the braggart, just now, but I was only half reassured. I do not know boxing and wrestling, I was not even armed, and in case of battle, despite my tall, I would have been underneath.

She looked at him admiringly.

- And yet you go slowly, unsure of yourself!

- He had to reassure you. My calm also aroused their suspicion.

- They were afraid of you.

He started to laugh.

- Often, being a student, I had fun with my friends to play tall: I grow, I swell like a turkey, I take a look terrible, I lack a knife between his teeth! It requires sometimes.

She says, sincere:

- Today, you were magnificent.

In talking, they had reached the crossroads Oberkampf-Avenue of the Republic.

John had to stop the car.

- You have been strongly shaken, just now. I think you would do well to drink something strong that would call you. Here is a coffee drinking in half, do you want we get there?

She agreed, glad he made this offer which she felt the need.

- I really got scared! I tremble even on my legs, she noticed by the few steps that separated her coffee.

He hesitated, then reached out.

- You could, he risked a little timidly, for now that nothing threatened, he dared not treat her with the same familiarity.

But she took his arm, who still need to feel protected.

He made her sit on a bench behind a marble table.

- What do you take?

- Something hot, I'm cold.

- A grog, perhaps ...

- Yes, I will grow.

Mechanically he took a seat and sat down across the table.

Why, at this moment, Michelle she ceased to be the grateful child in front of his savior, to become Miss Jourdan-Ferrières in the presence of his driver? No one can explain it, unless it were the natural thing too young Russian sitting in front of it.

Still, she looked him haughtily, and dryly, observed:

- It would not you, John, to put you elsewhere than my table?

There was a moment's bewilderment on the man's face.

Then, abruptly, including, he jumped up, and taking the glass which had just been laid before him, he put it on the counter.

The liveliness of his gesture was not lost to Michelle, and regret came to him for having caused after the service he had rendered him that day.

But pride in it, was the strongest.

"All the same, she thought, he forgot himself. A driver ! If anyone had seen me here in this company! "

She cast his eyes around. Almost all the tables were occupied, and, of course, she knew no one.

Most people talking together, and more concerned about their business than their neighbors.

At the table next to his own, however, one man staring at her.

He put such insistence that she thought he recognized her, and she began to examine it.

The stranger had taken her eyes for encouragement, because, smiling, slipping on the bench, he approached her and put the glass of port he drank at his table.

Immediately he entered into conversation.

- Will you, little girl, I hold you company? I am visiting Paris, I do not know anyone, and I would be delighted to end the day with you ...

- But Sir...

- Oh ! fear not, my child. I am a gentleman, and I will compensate you for the time I will make you lose.

- I do not know you, sir, she said disdainfully.

- We'll get to know, beautiful child.

- Please leave me alone.

- Now, now, little girl, I tell you ...

But it outraged his gesture because he had just seized her waist, had an instinctive cry

- John! John!

The young Russian, lost in gloomy thoughts, was barely heard screaming his name.

Yet over his shoulder, he cast a glance at the table where Michelle was standing.

He saw the stranger sitting next to Michelle, but do not realize, immediately, of the situation.

He really understood after a bold move the character, emphasized a new call Michelle.

He saw the girl, wedged between the coffee wall on one side and the unknown on the other, could not depart from its pursuer.

He therefore advanced toward them, and politely, lifting his cap, he noticed:

- You occupy my place, sir! Please retire.

The stranger hesitated, but before the firm attitude of John, he stammered a few vague words, and again, sliding over the moleskin bench, he returned to the table he had left. The young Russian had acted so naturally and with such a correction that Michelle, dumbfounded, wondered if she had not dreamed this scene.

But John waved to the boy who ran.

- This port is Mr. ... Bring me the glass that I left on the counter.

After that, only that these various orders had been executed, John turned to Michelle, prohibited:

- Excuse my freedom, miss, but I really think it is better to be me than one that takes place next to you. Moreover, you can just ignore me if my presence is bothering you.

She did not answer. When John was taking with her what your impeccable politeness, it was like a disguised hostility.

The incident forced her to resort once again to the good offices of his driver he was deeply unpleasant. She was dissatisfied with herself, who had failed to put back a familiar cad.

This latest adventure put her in a humiliating position vis-à-vis the young Russian, since it was obliged to tolerate at his table.

She tried some disparaging reflection that would have allowed him to turn the tables.

She thought she had found.

As they left the cafe after John had settled consumption, she said aloud, maliciously:

- What ugly coffee fishy! This is the first time I set foot in such a box.

- It's the pair, then, with the house where you drove me, 'said he strongly.

And without care, this time to the installation of the girl he went to lift the hood of the car, as if he really had something to do with it.

VI

The next morning, John had a long wait for orders.

Upon arrival, Landine, Michelle's maid, had come to warn:

- Miss told she does not know what time she will be released today.

The young Russian had been forced to remain there, waiting for the pleasure of the girl.

As usual, when he was forced to remain idle, he plunged without more ways in the study of a science book he always carried with him.

Thus eleven o'clock Landine joined him again. She found the driver to his liking and tried to draw it to the attention of the handsome boy.

- Always in your books, then, pretty blonde?

- I have nothing to do, he said by way of excuse.

- Yes, the little boss makes you ask.

She added, mysteriously, leaning toward him:

- It seems that I am unable today to transmit orders.

And as he was silent without understanding, she added with a laugh:

- She wants to be alone with you: she sends me to the station and sends you word to her.

- She asks me ?

- Yes, it takes you to ride home.

As he kept his book unhurriedly, she said with a sneer:

- Do not disgusted, Mr. driver. Little Bean is a morsel which more than one would feast. She has suitors, the little boss, I beg you to believe.

- That much ? he said at last to say something.

- Tonnes and tonnes ! So remember the many millions it represents!

He arched his eyebrows.

- And there is one that it prefers in all these dot runners?

The maid was a grimace of ignorance:

- No, it seems. She flirted with hundreds of young people, when she was sixteen or eighteen. It was of no consequence as it was mischievous kid. Now that she has the age to take a husband, she rejects all parties.

- Because the man she loves does not apply?

- That's likely! But she does not say ... And if anyone should know, it's definitely you.

- Me ! What do you mean ?

- Since you accompany everywhere.

- But I am at the door of the houses where she goes.

- Exactly, you see what are the most eager to renew.

- Well ! knew it, I confess that I never had the idea to make this finding.

- No, but once! You're not so naive, after all! If you do not want to see is that you are blind.

- Or I'm too new in the house to have noticed anything.

- It is even possible that she distrusts you. But I'm off, for here a quarter of an hour we chat, and she'll be on edge when you go to see her. She does not like to wait, Miss Bean!

- Why do you call this?

- How! you know? exclaimed she cheerfully. Now, Jourdan father was canned manufacturer ...

- So ?

- You do not understand ? Well ! my big, you have a layer, you! The Sauerkraut parent Peas and Beans same, it's the Jourdan-Ferrières family ... Are you there?

- Ah!

- You understanding difficult at times. This time, I'm off! Goodbye, pretty blonde! When you want to go to the movies, think of me to accompany you.

He looked away, mischievous and light.

He thought that the Parisian domesticity was even less friendly than that of St. Petersburg.

"The Sauerkraut parent Pea and Bean kid, that's the Jourdan-Ferrières family! "

What irony in these three nicknames despite the many millions that had the former canning factory!

For the first time, a little pity crept in him for these new rich who would bear all their lives, the weight of their obscure origins.

It accuses the aristocratic birth and ancestors, but it is more severe for those who, no parties, dominate the world with millions.

It was the second time that John was entering the hotel, the first preceding its entry as a driver, the day Mr. Jourdan-Ferrières hired him.

Michelle was waiting impatiently.

- You are in no hurry, it seems! She said dryly, when he appeared before her.

- I had to look for your apartment, miss.

- Say rather that the conversation Landine seemed to interest you greatly. I watched from my window, and I could follow your chitchat.

He did not answer, because what she said was true.

His silence was exasperated Michelle:

- It was probably on the back of the bosses that you exchange confidences. I know my maid: it has the good sharp tongue! And with a lover, she should not interfere.

In the skull of man, there were as tired of having to defend in front of a girl, on such a subject.

- When must undergo daily presence next to you, a maid in whom there is no trust, it is better to part.

His harsh tone made Michelle draw.

- You say ?

- Whether it is simpler and more dignified for the mistress as to the servant.

She eyed the top:

- You allow yourself, I think, to answer me on an unacceptable tone.

- There are conflicting assumptions with the dignity of a man.

- With under Landine instead! You make yourself the champion of this girl!

- I do not think anything in my attitude vis-a-vis her, could be confusing.

- So what were you talking with her?

- You're intimate, certainly.

- In the afternoon of yesterday, probably.

- Oh ! He protested indignantly, if the word I gave you the other day, is not enough to reassure you, what can I say more?

- Ah ... your word!

- If you doubt it, miss, it remains for me to retire.

It was towards the door, she stopped a movement with a gesture.

- Please, John; make no mistake about the meaning of my words.

He stopped, his eyes hard on the weighing Michelle, pending a clearer withdrawal.

She put her arm on his forehead where a pounding, relentless, seemed to concentrate.

- I spent a terrible night ... because of you, John. I was sure that you do not betray me, me; but you are free, you tell the events you have been involved, in spite of you.

- I do not believe that the interpretation of a given word has many subtleties. My silence you being granted, it is in every sense of the word.

- That to me is a great happiness ... Yes, a great relief to feel your dedication. I want to thank you. You were perfect yesterday. Hold, accept this, please.

She handed him a hundred-franc note.

The young Russian had a high round the body. He looked at the girl and money.

- You owe me nothing, miss. Keep your ticket, made it look forced.

- No. I stress, take. I'll still be obliged to have recourse to you, and I want to compensate you for all the trouble I give you.

- Me ... compensate with money?

She gave an embarrassed gesture.

- I can still not give you a gift.

- Your thank you enough, miss.