quainted me not only by word of mouth,
but in writing also, with the motives which influenced him, expressing
his fixed intention, not only of recognizing Mademoiselle Marguerite as
his daughter, but also of adopting her in order to insure her undisputed
right to his fortune and his name."

"Ah!" said the magistrate as if suddenly enlightened; "ah! ah!"

But without noticing this exclamation which was, at least, remarkable
in tone, M. de Valorsay again turned to Mademoiselle Marguerite, and
continued: "Your ignorance on this subject, mademoiselle, convinces
me that your servants have not deceived me in telling me that M. de
Chalusse was struck down without the slightest warning. But they have
told me one thing which I cannot believe. They have told me that the
count made no provision for you, that he left no will, and that--excuse
a liberty which is prompted only by the most respectful interest--and
that, the result of this incomprehensible and culpable neglect is that
you are ruined and almost without means. Can this be possible?"

"It is the exact truth, monsieur," replied Mademoiselle Marguerite. "I
am reduced to the necessity of working for my daily bread."

She spoke these words with a sort of satisfaction, expecting that the
marquis would betray his disappointed covetousness by some significant
gesture or exclamation, and she was already prepared to rejoice at his
confusion. But her expectations were not realized. Instead of evincing
the slightest dismay or even regret, M. de Valorsay drew a long breath,
as if a great burden had been lifted from his heart, and his eyes
sparkled with apparent delight. "Then I may venture to speak," he
exclaimed, with unconcealed satisfaction, "I will speak, mademoiselle,
if you will deign to allow me."

She looked at him with anxious curiosity, wondering what was to come.
"Speak, monsieur," she faltered.

"I will obey you, mademoiselle," he said, bowing again. "But first,
allow me to tell you how great my hopes have been. M. de Chalusse's
death is an irreparable misfortune for me as for yourself. He had
allowed me, mademoiselle, to aspire to the honor of becoming a suitor
for your hand. If he did not speak to you on the subject, it was only
because he wished to leave you absolutely free, and impose upon me
the difficult task of winning your consent. But between him and me
everything had been arranged in principle, and he was to give a dowry
of three millions of francs to Made