u might not be
wounded by the remembrance."

"But be sure, Madeleine, that I, for one, cannot forget our
relationship, nor cease to treat you as my niece."

Madeleine could not but be touched by this unexpected declaration. She
answered, gratefully, "It is more than I ask, yet I thank you."

"Yes," returned the count, "and to prove to you how far I am from
looking down upon you,--how much I honor your position, and how highly I
esteem you,--how thoroughly I comprehend your character, and the
readiness with which you always serve others,--I come here to-day to ask
a favor at your hands."

"Is it possible?" exclaimed Madeleine, delightedly. "You make me truly
happy. Can I, indeed, serve you? You could scarcely have spoken words
that had more power to gladden me."

"That is precisely what I imagined," answered the count, complacently.
"Now let me explain the matter. You have often heard me speak of the
property left to Maurice by his uncle. It is now almost our sole
possession. Its value depends upon the railroad which may or may not run
through that portion of the country. A committee of nine persons has
been selected to decide whether this road shall run to the right or
left. If they choose the road to the right, the property of Maurice will
not be benefited, and--and--and--I cannot enter into particulars,
but--but--it is almost valueless. If they choose the left road, the
value of the estate will be so much increased that it will yield
us,--that is, will yield my son something very handsome. Of this
committee, Mr. Hilson and Mr. Meredith will vote for the left road, and,
through the influence of Madame de Fleury, for which I am indebted to
you, M. de Fleury's banker, Mr. Gobert, will also vote for the left:
that secures us three votes."

"How glad I am that I was able to accomplish something to serve you!"
said Madeleine.

"There is much more, I trust, that you will be able to accomplish. The
votes of Mr. Gilmer and Mr. Rutledge must be gained,--the only two which
it seems possible to obtain; for the other gentlemen are inflexible in
their decision. Mrs. Gilmer is one of your customers. I hear that she
raves about you; if that is the case, you can do anything with her, and
_she_ will manage her _husband_. Have you no mode of winning her over to
our side?"

Madeleine pondered a moment, then answered gayly,--

"Yes, I have at my command one method that is certain,--_perfectly
certain_. Mrs. Gilmer is very desi