ly rose, conquered his emotion, and, after reflecting for
a moment, said: "First of all, Marguerite, I owe you the truth and an
exact statement of our situation. Circumstances have compelled me to act
without consulting you. Have I done right or wrong? You shall judge."
And without stopping to listen to the girl's protestations, he rapidly
explained how he had managed to win M. de Valorsay's confidence,
discover his plans, and become his trusted accomplice. "This scoundrel's
plan is very simple," he continued. "He is determined to marry you.
Why? Because, though you are not aware of it, you are rich, and the
sole heiress to the fortune of the Count de Chalusse, your father. This
surprises you, does it not? Very well! listen to me. Deceived by the
Marquis de Valorsay, the Count de Chalusse had promised him your hand.
These arrangements were nearly completed, though you had not been
informed of them. In fact, everything had been decided. At the outset,
however, a grave difficulty had presented itself. The marquis wished
your father to acknowledge you before your marriage, but this he refused
to do. 'It would expose me to the most frightful dangers,' he declared.
'However, I will recognize Marguerite as my daughter in my will, and, at
the same time, leave all my property to her.' But the marquis would not
listen to this proposal. 'I don't doubt your good intentions, my dear
count,' said he,' but suppose this will should be contested, your
property might pass into other hands.' This difficulty put a stop to the
proceedings for some time. The marquis asked for guarantees; the other
refused to give them--until, at last, M. de Chalusse discovered an
expedient which would satisfy both parties. He confided to M. de
Valorsay's keeping a will in which he recognized you as his daughter,
and bequeathed you his entire fortune. This document, the validity of
which is unquestionable, has been carefully preserved by the marquis.
He has not spoken of its existence; and he would destroy it rather than
restore it to you at present. But as soon as you became his wife,
he intended to produce it and thus obtain possession of the count's
millions."

"Ah! the old justice of the peace was not mistaken," murmured
Mademoiselle Marguerite.

Pascal did not hear her. All his faculties were absorbed in the attempt
he was making to give a clear and concise explanation, for he had much
to say, and it was growing late. "As for the enormous sum you have