hy there should be
so much said because the Vicomte de Talizac chanced to admire a daughter
of the people. You talk of crime, of infamy. These are large words for a
small matter. But the quarrel between the young men is of more
importance. They had both been drinking, and I sincerely trust that such
folly will be forgotten in view of the old friendship between the
families. And I authorize you to kiss my hand as a token of forgiveness
and reconciliation."

This little speech had been delivered with such assurance and ease that
the old Marquis was nearly taken off his feet. The fair Magdalena was
still beautiful.

Monsieur de Montferrand bowed over the fair hand, and Fongereues
wondered and admired.

"And now let us talk a little," the lady said, as she seated herself. "I
must not omit to say that my son promises not to see this girl again--it
was but a passing fever. I realize that, and I promise to use all my
influence with my son to induce him to forget this affair. But what are
we to do to silence the scandal which will certainly be on every tongue
to-morrow? Yes, that is the first consideration. The girl will be free
in a few hours, and her silence can be bought. I am particularly anxious
that there shall be no talk, as it would interfere greatly with my
plans."

Fongereues ventured to ask to what plans his wife referred.

"You are aware," she said, "that for some time I have been anxious to
obtain for my son a captaincy in His Majesty's Guards."

"Well?" asked her husband, breathlessly.

"I have received the royal promise, and to-day Talizac will have his
commission, and also the order of Saint-Louis."

This was an immense joy to Fongereues, and from that moment the
monarchist--the Marquis de Montferrand--felt that Talizac, a captain in
the King's Guard, could do no evil.

"Forgive a mother's vanity," continued Magdalena. "I have sent out a
large number of invitations for this evening, and as soon as the officer
of His Majesty's household hands to my son the commission which he has
won by his merits and the badge of the Legion of Honor, Monsieur de
Fongereues will officially announce the marriage of his son to
Mademoiselle Salves. I rely on your aid, Monsieur de Montferrand."

"Ah! Madame," cried the old Marquis, "you are excessively clever, and
you are an angel!"

She smiled.

"Arthur will come with you, I am sure, so that no cloud shall remain in
our sky."

"Certainly, Madame, my son will come.