ged Madame Marneffe to grant him two minutes' speech with her.
Valerie led Crevel into the drawing-room.

"Valerie, my angel," said the amorous Mayor, "Monsieur Marneffe cannot
have long to live. If you will be faithful to me, when he dies we will
be married. Think it over. I have rid you of Hulot.--So just consider
whether this Brazilian is to compare with a Mayor of Paris, a man who,
for your sake, will make his way to the highest dignities, and who can
already offer you eighty-odd thousand francs a year."

"I will think it over," said she. "You will see me in the Rue du Dauphin
at two o'clock, and we can discuss the matter. But be a good boy--and do
not forget the bond you promised to transfer to me."

She returned to the dining-room, followed by Crevel, who flattered
himself that he had hit on a plan for keeping Valerie to himself; but
there he found Baron Hulot, who, during this short colloquy, had also
arrived with the same end in view. He, like Crevel, begged for a brief
interview. Madame Marneffe again rose to go to the drawing-room, with a
smile at the Brazilian that seemed to say, "What fools they are! Cannot
they see you?"

"Valerie," said the official, "my child, that cousin of yours is an
American cousin--"

"Oh, that is enough!" she cried, interrupting the Baron. "Marneffe never
has been, and never will be, never can be my husband! The first, the
only man I ever loved, has come back quite unexpectedly. It is no fault
of mine! But look at Henri and look at yourself. Then ask yourself
whether a woman, and a woman in love, can hesitate for a moment. My dear
fellow, I am not a kept mistress. From this day forth I refuse to play
the part of Susannah between the two Elders. If you really care for me,
you and Crevel, you will be our friends; but all else is at an end, for
I am six-and-twenty, and henceforth I mean to be a saint, an admirable
and worthy wife--as yours is."

"Is that what you have to say?" answered Hulot. "Is this the way
you receive me when I come like a Pope with my hands full of
Indulgences?--Well, your husband will never be a first-class clerk, nor
be promoted in the Legion of Honor."

"That remains to be seen," said Madame Marneffe, with a meaning look at
Hulot.

"Well, well, no temper," said Hulot in despair. "I will call this
evening, and we will come to an understanding."

"In Lisbeth's rooms then."

"Very good--at Lisbeth's," said the old dotard.

Hulot and Crevel went downst