is more money, and there will be more
still so long as you do not tell him."

The servant promised to be silent, and told the other servants that the
Marquis could be plundered at will. Barrington considered the money well
spent. He had examined the house without any risk of being caught
taking observations, and he had ascertained that Legrand could not have
spied upon him had he walked in the garden.

That night the Abbe decided that, although the Marquis had not made any
great impression on Mademoiselle St. Clair, he was a decided acquisition
to the establishment, witty within his provincial limits, the breed in
him unmistakable. At Versailles he would speedily have learned how to
become a courtier.

In the salon that evening there was dancing, and Barrington danced, but
not with Jeanne.

"I dare not, mademoiselle," he said in a whispered explanation. "I can
trust myself only to a certain point, and to touch you would be to
betray my happiness. I dare not run that risk. I am bent on showing that
I have no special regard for you, and that there is no reason why you
should give any special thought to me."

She did not answer, but the color was in her face, a glow was in her
heart.

When the Abbe went out into the garden on the following morning Jeanne
left the Marquis at once, and joined him for their usual walk. Certainly
she had not given the Marquis more than five minutes of her company. The
Abbe would have talked of him, but Jeanne pleaded that he should talk of
something interesting.

"Upon my honor, mademoiselle, I believe you will end by disliking poor
Monsieur de Castellux."

"Would that be worth while?" Jeanne asked.

She seemed to listen eagerly to all the Abbe said to her, but she was
thinking of her short conversation with Barrington. She must show no
excitement.

Legrand came into the salon that night. He took no notice of
Barrington, who was playing cards, totally absorbed in his game, but he
watched Jeanne for a little while, and presently approached her.

"You are very brave, mademoiselle," he said.

"Is it not best?"

"I am very grieved," said Legrand.

"Monsieur, you have heard nothing from--from Lucien Bruslart?"

"Nothing."

"To-morrow! Where will they take me to-morrow?"

"I do not know, mademoiselle. I am never told."

Late hours were not kept at the Maison Legrand, candles were an
expensive item. Jeanne was among the first to move this evening.

"Good night, Monsieur l'Ab