----"

"That is to say, you care nothing for the scandal that will be created
by such a course. In order to prove yourself a member of the Chalusse
family you will begin by disgracing the name and dragging it through the
mire."

Wilkie had no wish to prolong this discussion. So much talk about an
affair, which, in his opinion, at least, was an extremely simple one,
seemed to him utterly ridiculous, and irritated him beyond endurance.
"It strikes me this is much ado about nothing," he remarked. "One would
suppose, to hear you talk, that you were the greatest criminal in the
world. Goodness is all very well in its way, but there is such a thing
as having too much of it! Break loose from this life to-morrow, assume
your rightful name, install yourself at the Hotel de Chalusse, and in
a week from now no one will remember that you were once known as Lia
d'Argeles. I wager one hundred louis on it. Why, if people attempted to
rake up the past life of their acquaintances, they should have far too
much to do. Folks do not trouble themselves as to whether a person has
done this or that; the essential thing is to have plenty of money. And
if any fool speaks slightingly of you, you can reply: 'I have an income
of five hundred thousand francs,' and he'll say no more."

Madame d'Argeles listened, speechless with horror and disgust. Was it
really her son who was speaking in this style, and to her of all people
in the world? M. Wilkie misunderstood her silence. He had an excellent
opinion of himself, but he was rather surprised at the effect of his
eloquence. "Besides, I'm tired of vegetating, and having only one name,"
he continued. "I want to be on the move. Even with the small allowance
I've had, I have gained a very good position in society; and if I had
plenty of money I should be the most stylish man in Paris. The count's
estate belongs to me, and so I must have it--in fact, I will have it.
So believe me when I tell you that it will be much better for you if you
acknowledge me without any fuss! Now, will you do so? No? Once, twice,
three times? Is it still no? Very well then; to-morrow, then, you may
expect an official notice. I wish you good-evening."

He bowed; he was really going, for his hand was already on the
door-knob. But Madame d'Argeles detained him with a gesture. "One word
more," she said, in a voice hoarse with emotion.

He scarcely deigned to come back, and he made no attempt to conceal his
impatience. "Well, w