ut it had upset all his plans and annihilated all his hopes.
Imagining that the count's heirs had been lost sight of, he had
determined to find them and make a bargain with them, before they
learned that they were worth their millions. But on the contrary, these
heirs were close at hand, watching M. de Chalusse, and knowing their
rights so well that they were ready to fight for them. "For it was
certainly the count's sister who wrote the letter which I have in my
pocket," he murmured. "Not wishing to receive him at her own home, she
prudently appointed a meeting at a hotel. But what about this name of
Huntley? Is it really hers, or is it only assumed for the occasion?
Is it the name of the man who enticed her from home, or is it the name
given to the son from whom she has separated herself?"

But after all what was the use of all these conjectures? There was
but one certain and positive thing, and this was that the money he had
counted upon had escaped him; and he experienced as acute a pang as
if he had lost forty thousand francs a second time. Perhaps, at that
moment, he was sorry that he had severed his connection with the
marquis. Still, he was not the man to despond, however desperate his
plight might appear, without an attempt to better his situation. He
knew how many surprising and sudden changes in fortune have been brought
about by some apparently trivial action. "I must discover this sister,"
he said to himself--"I must ascertain her position and her plans.
If she has no one to advise her, I will offer my services; and who
knows----"

A cab was passing; M. Fortunat hailed it, and ordered the Jehu to drive
him to the Rue du Helder, No. 43, Hotel de Homburg.

Was it by chance or premeditation that this establishment had received
the name of one of the gambling dens of Europe? Perhaps the following
information may serve to answer the question. The Hotel de Homburg was
one of those flash hostelries frequented by adventurers of distinction,
who are attracted to Paris by the millions that are annually squandered
there. Spurious counts and questionable Russian princesses were sure
to find a cordial welcome there with princely luxury, moderate prices,
and--but very little confidence. Each person was called by the title
which it pleased him to give on his arrival--Excellency or Prince,
according to his fancy. He could also find numerous servants carefully
drilled to play the part of old family retainers, and carriage