n? What a lot of people, eh, Pretty-boy! Did you see the Prince de
Guerche? He came and drank a glass of punch here just now," he
exclaimed.

Then he darted towards the Senator Rissolin, who was towing along his
wife, bewildered, and bedecked like a stall at a fair. A gentleman bowed
to Susan, a tall, thin fellow, slightly bald, with yellow whiskers, and
that air of good breeding which is everywhere recognizable. George heard
his name mentioned, the Marquis de Cazolles, and became suddenly jealous
of him. How long had she known him? Since her accession to wealth, no
doubt. He divined a suitor.

He was taken by the arm. It was Norbert de Varenne. The old poet was
airing his long hair and worn dress-coat with a weary and indifferent
air. "This is what they call amusing themselves," said he. "By and by
they will dance, and then they will go bed, and the little girls will be
delighted. Have some champagne. It is capital."

He had a glass filled for himself, and bowing to Du Roy, who had taken
another, said: "I drink to the triumph of wit over wealth." Then he
added softly: "Not that wealth on the part of others hurts me; or that I
am angry at it. But I protest on principle."

George no longer listened to him. He was looking for Susan, who had just
disappeared with the Marquis de Cazolles, and abruptly quitting Norbert
de Varenne, set out in pursuit of the young girl. A dense crowd in quest
of refreshments checked him. When he at length made his way through it,
he found himself face to face with the de Marelles. He was still in the
habit of meeting the wife, but he had not for some time past met the
husband, who seized both his hands, saying: "How can I thank you, my
dear fellow, for the advice you gave me through Clotilde. I have gained
close on a hundred thousand francs over the Morocco loan. It is to you I
owe them. You are a valuable friend."

Several men turned round to look at the pretty and elegant brunette. Du
Roy replied: "In exchange for that service, my dear fellow, I am going
to take your wife, or rather to offer her my arm. Husband and wife are
best apart, you know."

Monsieur de Marelle bowed, saying: "You are quite right. If I lose you,
we will meet here in an hour."

"Exactly."

The pair plunged into the crowd, followed by the husband. Clotilde kept
saying: "How lucky these Walters are! That is what it is to have
business intelligence."

George replied: "Bah! Clever men always make a position one w