m
quite ready to explain them, if you will condescend to listen to me."

His voice was monotonous, as he continued:

"You are not ignorant, sir, of how greatly the conduct of the Vicomte de
Talizac has compromised himself and his family."

"I beg your pardon," interrupted the Marquis, "but may I ask if you were
not the companion of my son in most of his excesses?"

Fernando smiled satirically.

"Perhaps you are not quite aware of the part I played in these excesses.
Monsieur de Talizac is not a child, to be influenced for good or evil by
his friends. Perhaps, instead of accusing me, you should thank me for
having saved the honor of your house more than once."

"Indeed, sir! I confess I do not understand."

"It seems to me," said Fernando, still very calm, "that we are wandering
from the real subject of this conversation. A powerful Society, sir,
attached above all else to the practice of all virtues and to the
triumph of God's cause, has for a long time been watching you. Your
influence and your talents all give a guarantee that you may become a
most useful auxiliary to the society to which I have the honor to
belong."

"The Society of Jesus?" interrupted the Marquis.

Fernando did not reply to this direct question other than with a slight
bow.

"This society," he continued, "is disposed to come to your aid. It is
they who have prevented His Majesty from revoking the favors shown to
your son."

Fongereues uttered an exclamation of surprise.

"And they, too, will enable you to re-conquer the rank to which you
belong."

"On condition that I will be their slave!" said the Marquis, with a
constrained smile.

It was certain that in this terrible crisis the Marquis was ready to
snatch at anything that would save him. But in spite of himself, he felt
an invincible repugnance to giving himself up entirely to the control of
these people and to have no will of his own. He hesitated. Fernando
seemed to read his every thought.

"I think, sir," he said, "that you exaggerate the consequences of the
step I suggest."

"And if I refuse?"

"You will not refuse," said the Italian, quietly.

Fongereues bit his lips.

"What does the Society of Jesus require of me?"

"Two things--a great service and a guarantee."

"What do they offer me?"

"The position of Prime Minister."

The Marquis started.

"I do not understand you," he said.

"The position of Prime Minister."

Beads of sweat broke out on the brow of