bread--a task which you are probably incapable of performing--who
can tell what depths of degradation you might descend to? With your
instincts and your vices, who knows what crime you wouldn't commit to
obtain money? It wouldn't be long before you were in the dock, and I
should hear of you only through your disgrace. But, on the other hand,
if you were rich, you would probably lead an honest life, like many
others, who, wanting for nothing, are not tempted to do wrong, who, in
fact, show virtue in which there is nothing worthy of praise. For real
virtue implies temptation--a struggle and victory."

Although he did not understand these remarks very well, M. Wilkie
evinced a desire to offer some objections; but Madame d'Argeles had
already resumed: "So I went to my notary this morning. I told him
everything; and by this time my renunciation of my rights to the estate
of the Count de Chalusse is already recorded."

"What! your renunciation. Oh! no."

"Allow me to finish since you don't understand me. As soon as I renounce
the inheritance it becomes yours."

"Truly?"

"I have no wish to deceive you. I only desire that the name of Lia
d'Argeles should not be mentioned. I will give you the necessary proofs
to establish your identity; my marriage contract and your certificate of
birth."

It was joy that made M. Wilkie speechless now. "And when will you give
me these documents?" he faltered, after a short pause.

"You shall have them before you leave this house; but first of all I
must talk with you."

XV.

Agitated and excited though he was, M. Wilkie had not once ceased to
think of M. de Coralth and the Marquis de Valorsay. What would they
do in such a position, and how should he act to conform himself to the
probable example of these models of deportment? Manifestly he ought to
assume that stolid and insolent air of boredom which is considered a
sure indication of birth and breeding. Convinced of this, and seized
with a laudable desire to emulate such distinguished examples, he had
perched himself upon a trunk, where he still sat with his legs crossed.
He now pretended to suppress a yawn, as he growled, "What! some more
long phrases--and another melodramatic display?"

Absorbed in the memories she had invoked, Madame d'Argeles paid no heed
to Wilkie's impertinence. "Yes, I must talk with you," she said, "and
more for your sake than for my own. I must tell you who I am, and
through what strange vicissitu