dig the ground with my own hands,
rather than give him a louis that came from you. You think me full of
contradictions! Perhaps I am. It is certain that I am no longer what I
was yesterday. This trouble has torn away the bandage that covered my
eyes. I can see my conduct clearly now, and I condemn it. I sinned for
my son's sake, more than for my own. But I might have rehabilitated
myself through him, and now he will perhaps be dishonored through me."
Her breathing came short and hard, and it was in a choked voice that she
continued: "Wilkie shall work for me and for himself. If he is strong,
he will save us. If he is weak--ah, well! we shall perish. But there
has been cowardice and shame enough! It shall never be said that I
sacrificed the honor of a noble name and the happiness of my brother's
child to my son. I see what my duty is, and I shall do it."

The baron nodded approvingly. "That's no doubt right," said he. "Only
allow me to tell you that all is not lost yet. The code has a weapon for
every just cause. Perhaps there will be a way for you to obtain and hold
your fortune independent of your husband."

"Alas! I made inquiries on the subject years ago, and I was told that
it would be impossible. Still, you might investigate the matter. I have
confidence in you. I know that you would not advise me rashly;--but
don't delay. The worst misfortune would be less intolerable than this
suspense."

"I will lose no time. M. Ferailleur is a very clever lawyer, I am told.
I will consult him."

"And what shall I do about this man Fortunat, who called upon me?"

The baron reflected for a moment. "The safest thing would be to take no
action whatever at present," he replied. "If he has any evil designs, a
visit or a letter from you would only hasten them."

By the way Madame d'Argeles shook her head, it was easy to see that she
had very little hope. "All this will end badly," she murmured.

The baron shared her opinion, but he did not think it wise or kind to
discourage her. "Nonsense!" he said lightly, "luck is going to change;
it is always changing."

Then as he heard the clock strike, he sprang from his arm-chair in
dismay. "Two o'clock," he exclaimed, "and Kami-Bey is waiting for me.
I certainly haven't been wasting time here, but I ought to have been at
the Grand Hotel at noon. Kami is quite capable of suspecting a man of
any knavery. These Turks are strange creatures. It's true that I am
now a winner to the tune of