ly felt like a man who had just fallen from the
clouds. "What, fly?" he stammered. "Where shall we go, then?"

"To a country where we are unknown, Wilkie--to a land where you will not
have to blush for your mother."

"But--"

"Trust yourself to me, my son. I know a pleasant village near London
where we can find a refuge. My connections in England are such that you
need not fear the obstacles one generally meets with among foreigners.
M. Patterson, who manages a large manufacturing establishment, will, I
know, be happy to be of service to us--but we shall not be indebted to
any one for long, now that you have resolved to work."

On hearing these words, M. Wilkie sprang up in dismay. "Excuse me,"
he said, "I don't understand you. You propose to set me to work in M.
Patterson's factory? Well, to tell the truth, that doesn't suit me at
all."

It was impossible to mistake M. Wilkie's manner, his tone, or gesture.
They revealed him in his true character. Madame d'Argeles saw her
terrible mistake at once. The bandage fell from her eyes. She had taken
her dreams for realities, and the desires of her own heart for those of
her son. She rose, trembling with sorrow and with indignation. "Wilkie!"
she exclaimed, "Wilkie, wretched boy! what did you dare to hope?"

And, without giving him time to reply, she continued: "Then it was only
idle curiosity that brought you here. You wished to know the source
of the money which you spend like water. Very well, you may see
for yourself. This is a gambling house; one of those establishments
frequented by distinguished personages, which the police ignore, or
which they cannot suppress. The hubbub you hear is made by the players.
Men are ruined here. Some poor wretches have blown their brains out on
leaving the house; others have parted with the last vestige of honor
here. And the business pays me well. One louis out of every hundred that
change hands falls to my share. This is the source of your wealth, my
son."

This anger, which succeeded such deep grief--this outburst of disdain,
following such abject humility--considerably astonished M. Wilkie.
"Allow me to ask----" he began.

But he was not allowed a hearing. "Fool!" continued Madame d'Argeles,
"did nothing warn you that in coming here you would deprive yourself
forever of the income you received? Did no inward voice tell you that
all would be changed when you compelled me, Lia d'Argeles, to say,
'Well, yes, it is true; you are