imagine that people will think then?"

"The world knows me too well to think so ill of me."

"No, no, Clotilde, there is no charity in society; they will simply
say that you are his mistress, and finding that the allowance from your
husband is not enough for your needs, you are ruining your lover. There
will be a significant laugh among the members, and in time, a very short
time, the scandal in a highly sensational form will come to the ears of
your husband."

The Viscountess wrung her hands.

"It is too horrible," wailed she. "And do you know that Bois Arden would
put the worst construction on the whole affair, for he declares that a
woman will sacrifice anything in order to outshine her sex in dress. Ah,
I will never run up another bill anywhere; tell me, Gontran, what I had
better do. Can you not get the receipt from De Croisenois?"

M. de Breulh paused for a moment and then replied, "Of course I could do
so, but such a step would be very damaging to your reputation. I have no
proof; and if I went to him, he would deny everything of course, and it
would make him your enemy for life."

"Besides," added Andre, "you would put him on his guard, and he would
escape us."

The unhappy woman glanced from one to the other in utter despair.

"Then I am lost," she exclaimed. "Am I to remain for the rest of my days
in this villain's power?"

"Not so," returned Andre, "for I hope soon to put it out of M. de
Croisenois' power to injure any one. What did he say when he asked you
to introduce him to the Mussidans?"

"Nothing pointed."

"Then, madame, do not disturb yourself to-night. So long as he hopes you
will be useful, so long he will stay his hand. Do as he wishes; never
allude to the receipt; introduce him and speak well of him, while I,
aided by M. de Breulh, will do my utmost to unmask this scoundrel; and
as long as he believes himself to be in perfect security, our task will
be an easy one."

Just then the servant returned from the bank, and as soon as the man had
left the room De Breulh took the notes and placed them in his cousin's
hand.

"Here is the money for De Croisenois," said he. "Take my advice, and
give it to him this evening with a polite letter of thanks."

"A thousand thanks, Gontran; I will act as you advise."

"Remember you must not allude in your letter to his introduction to the
Mussidans. What do you think, Andre?"

"I think a receipt for the money would be a great thing," answered he