wledge.
If you wish to know what the celebrated Sanchez says of it in his
treatise 'De Matrimonio,' I shall be able to tell you to-morrow."

The cure went away; Mademoiselle Grandet went up to her father's secret
room and spent the day there alone, without coming down to dinner, in
spite of Nanon's entreaties. She appeared in the evening at the hour
when the usual company began to arrive. Never was the old hall so
full as on this occasion. The news of Charles's return and his foolish
treachery had spread through the whole town. But however watchful the
curiosity of the visitors might be, it was left unsatisfied. Eugenie,
who expected scrutiny, allowed none of the cruel emotions that wrung her
soul to appear on the calm surface of her face. She was able to show a
smiling front in answer to all who tried to testify their interest by
mournful looks or melancholy speeches. She hid her misery behind a veil
of courtesy. Towards nine o'clock the games ended and the players left
the tables, paying their losses and discussing points of the game as
they joined the rest of the company. At the moment when the whole party
rose to take leave, an unexpected and striking event occurred, which
resounded through the length and breadth of Saumur, from thence through
the arrondissement, and even to the four surrounding prefectures.

"Stay, monsieur le president," said Eugenie to Monsieur de Bonfons as
she saw him take his cane.

There was not a person in that numerous assembly who was unmoved by
these words. The president turned pale, and was forced to sit down.

"The president gets the millions," said Mademoiselle de Gribeaucourt.

"It is plain enough; the president marries Mademoiselle Grandet," cried
Madame d'Orsonval.

"All the trumps in one hand," said the abbe.

"A love game," said the notary.

Each and all said his say, made his pun, and looked at the heiress
mounted on her millions as on a pedestal. The drama begun nine years
before had reached its conclusion. To tell the president, in face of
all Saumur, to "stay," was surely the same thing as proclaiming him her
husband. In provincial towns social conventionalities are so rigidly
enforced than an infraction like this constituted a solemn promise.

"Monsieur le president," said Eugenie in a voice of some emotion when
they were left alone, "I know what pleases you in me. Swear to leave me
free during my whole life, to claim none of the rights which marriage
will give you