t
write on any account." He reflected for a moment, and then added: "We
shall, perhaps, become morally certain of Valorsay's and Coralth's
guilt, but there's a wide difference between this and the establishment
of their guilt by material proofs. Two scoundrels who league to ruin an
honest man don't sign a contract to that effect before a notary. Proofs!
Ah! where shall we find them? We must gain an intimate knowledge of
Valorsay's private life. The best plan would be to find some man devoted
to our interests who would watch him, and insinuate himself into his
confidence."

Pascal interrupted the baron with an eager gesture. Hope glittered in
his eyes. "Yes!" he exclaimed, "yes; it is necessary that M. de Valorsay
should be watched by a man of quick perception--a man clever enough
to make himself useful to the marquis, and capable of rendering him an
important service in case of need. I will be the man, monsieur, if you
will allow me. The thought occurred to me just now while I was listening
to you. You promised to send some one to Valorsay's house with money.
I entreat you to allow me to take the place of the man you intended to
send. The marquis doesn't know me, and I am sufficiently sure of myself
to promise you that I will not betray my identity. I will present myself
as your agent; he will give me his confidence. I shall take him money or
fair promises, I shall be well received, and I have a plan----"

He was interrupted by a rap at the door. The next moment a footman
entered, and informed his master that a messenger wished to speak to him
on urgent business. "Let him come in," said the baron.

It was Job, Madame Lia d'Argeles's confidential servant, who entered
the room. He bowed respectfully, and, with an air of profound mystery
exclaimed: "I have been looking for the baron everywhere. I was ordered
by madame not to return without him."

"Very well," said M. Trigault. "I will go with you at once."

V.

How was it that a clever man like M. Fortunat made such a blunder as
to choose a Sunday, and a racing Sunday too, to call on M. Wilkie. His
anxiety might explain the mistake, but it did not justify it. He felt
certain, that under any other circumstances he would not have been
dismissed so cavalierly. He would at least have been allowed to develop
his proposals, and then who knows what might have happened?

But the races had interfered with his plans. M. Wilkie had been
compelled to attend to Pompier