king and sceptical humor, his
long experience, his rare knowledge of men and things, his fashionable
training, in a word, had not always the advantage, and even acknowledged
his defeat gayly enough. Thus, to give an idea of the differences of
the count and Adrienne, before, as he would say laughingly, he had made
himself her accomplice, he had always opposed (from other motives than
those alleged by Madame de Saint-Dizier) Adrienne's wish to live alone
and in her own way; whilst Rodin, on the contrary, by investing
the young girl's resolve on this subject with an ideal grandeur of
intention, had acquired a species of influence over her. M. de Montbron,
now upwards of sixty years of age, had been a most prominent character
during the Directory, Consulate, and the Empire. His prodigal style of
living, his wit, his gayety, his duels, his amours, and his losses at
play, had given him a leading influence in the best society of his day;
while his character, his kind-heartedness, and liberality, secured him
the lasting friendship of nearly all his female friends. At the time
we now present him to the reader, he was still a great gambler; and,
moreover, a very lucky gambler. He had, as we have stated, a very lordly
style; his manners were decided, but polished and lively; his habits
were such as belong to the higher classes of society, though he could be
excessively sharp towards people whom he did not like. He was tall and
thin, and his slim figure gave him an almost youthful appearance; his
forehead was high, and a little bald; his hair was gray and short, his
countenance long, his nose aquiline, his eyes blue and piercing, and his
teeth white, and still very good.

"The Count de Montbron," said Georgette, opening the door. The count
entered, and hastened to kiss Adrienne's hand, with a sort of paternal
familiarity.

"Come!" said M. de Montbron to himself; "let us try to discover the
truth I am in search of, that we may escape a great misfortune."

CHAPTER VIII. THE CONFESSION.

Mdlle. de Cardoville, not wishing to betray the cause of the violent
feelings which agitated her, received M. de Montbron with a feigned and
forced gayety. On the other hand, notwithstanding his tact and knowledge
of the world, the count was much embarrassed how to enter upon the
subject on which he wished to confer with Adrienne, and he resolved
to feel his way, before seriously commencing the conversation. After
looking at the young lady f