rion, very
much as the Dreux reappeared in Breze. Dazzled by the prosperity of the
Restoration, which was tottering when he left France, fascinated by the
splendor of aristocratic ideas, his intoxication, which began on the
brig, increased after he reached Paris, and he finally determined to
take the course and reach the high position which the selfish hopes of
his would-be mother-in-law pointed out to him. His cousin counted for
no more than a speck in this brilliant perspective; but he went to see
Annette. True woman of the world, Annette advised her old friend to
make the marriage, and promised him her support in all his ambitious
projects. In her heart she was enchanted to fasten an ugly and
uninteresting girl on Charles, whose life in the West Indies had
rendered him very attractive. His complexion had bronzed, his manners
had grown decided and bold, like those of a man accustomed to make sharp
decisions, to rule, and to succeed. Charles breathed more at his ease in
Paris, conscious that he now had a part to play.

Des Grassins, hearing of his return, of his approaching marriage and
his large fortune, came to see him, and inquired about the three hundred
thousand francs still required to settle his father's debts. He found
Grandet in conference with a goldsmith, from whom he had ordered jewels
for Mademoiselle d'Aubrion's _corbeille_, and who was then submitting
the designs. Charles had brought back magnificent diamonds, and the
value of their setting, together with the plate and jewelry of the new
establishment, amounted to more than two hundred thousand francs. He
received des Grassins, whom he did not recognize, with the impertinence
of a young man of fashion conscious of having killed four men in as many
duels in the Indies. Monsieur des Grassins had already called several
times. Charles listened to him coldly, and then replied, without fully
understanding what had been said to him,--

"My father's affairs are not mine. I am much obliged, monsieur, for the
trouble you have been good enough to take,--by which, however, I really
cannot profit. I have not earned two millions by the sweat of my brow to
fling them at the head of my father's creditors."

"But suppose that your father's estate were within a few days to be
declared bankrupt?"

"Monsieur, in a few days I shall be called the Comte d'Aubrion; you will
understand, therefore, that what you threaten is of no consequence to
me. Besides, you know as well a