lilac, to say nothing of the dingy bonnet. She seemed in a good temper. She at once said:
“Good evening, gentlemen! It’s for the envelope, I suppose?”
“Yes, Mme. Giry,” said Richard, most amiably. “For the envelope … and something else besides.”
“At your service, M. Richard, at your service. And what is the something else, please?”
“First of all, Mme. Giry, I have a little question to put to you.”
“By all means, M. Richard: Mme. Giry is here to answer you.”
“Are you still on good terms with the ghost?”
“Couldn’t be better, sir; couldn’t be better.”
“Ah, we are delighted. … Look here, Mme. Giry,” said Richard, in the tone of making an important confidence. “We may just as well tell you,