ed thousand francs.
This house and garden are fully worth two hundred thousand. On that
estimate, Madame can convey by the marriage contract the titles of that
property to her daughter, reserving only a life interest in it--for
I conclude that Monsieur le comte could hardly wish to leave his
mother-in-law without means? Though Madame has certainly run through her
fortune, she is still able to make good that of her daughter, or very
nearly so."

"Women are most unfortunate in having no knowledge of business,"
said Madame Evangelista. "Have I titles to property? and what are
life-interests?"

Paul was in a sort of ecstasy as he listened to this proposed
arrangement. The old notary, seeing the trap, and his client with one
foot caught in it, was petrified for a moment, as he said to himself:--

"I am certain they are tricking us."

"If madame will follow my advice," said Solonet, "she will secure her
own tranquillity. By sacrificing herself in this way she may be sure
that no minors will ultimately harass her--for we never know who
may live and who may die! Monsieur le comte will then give due
acknowledgment in the marriage contract of having received the sum total
of Mademoiselle Evangelista's patrimonial inheritance."

Mathias could not restrain the indignation which shone in his eyes and
flushed his face.

"And that sum," he said, shaking, "is--"

"One million, one hundred and fifty-six thousand francs according to the
document--"

"Why don't you ask Monsieur le comte to make over 'hic et nunc' his
whole fortune to his future wife?" said Mathias. "It would be more
honest than what you now propose. I will not allow the ruin of the Comte
de Manerville to take place under my very eyes--"

He made a step as if to address his client, who was silent throughout
this scene as if dazed by it; but he turned and said, addressing Madame
Evangelista:--

"Do not suppose, madame, that I think you a party to these ideas of
my brother notary. I consider you an honest woman and a lady who knows
nothing of business."

"Thank you, brother notary," said Solonet.

"You know that there can be no offence between you and me," replied
Mathias. "Madame," he added, "you ought to know the result of this
proposed arrangement. You are still young and beautiful enough to marry
again--Ah! madame," said the old man, noting her gesture, "who can
answer for themselves on that point?"

"I did not suppose, monsieur," said Madame Evangelist