essary to add that neither
Ardea nor his future father-in-law had made the shadow of an allusion to
the true side of the affair? Perhaps at any other time the excessive
prudence innate to the Baron and his care never to compromise himself
would have deterred him from the possible annoyances which might arise
from an interference in the adventure of an exasperated and discarded
lover. But his joy at the thought that his daughter was to become a Roman
princess--and with what a name!--had really turned his brain.

He had, however, the good sense to say to the stunned Ardea: "Madame
Steno must know nothing of it, at least beforehand. She would not fail to
inform Madame Gorka, and God knows of what the latter would be capable."

In reality, the two men were convinced that it was essential, directly or
indirectly, to beware of warning Maitland. They employed the remainder of
the afternoon in paying their visit to Florent, then in sending telegram
after telegram to announce the betrothal, with which charming Fanny
seemed more satisfied since Cardinal Guerillot had consented, at simply a
word from her, to preside at her baptism. The Baron, in the face of that
consent, could not restrain his joy. He loved his daughter, strange man,
somewhat in the manner in which a breeder loves a favorite horse which
has won the Grand Prix for him. When Dorsenne arrived, bearing Chapron's
note and Montfanon's message, he was received with a cordiality and a
complaisance which at once enlightened him upon the result of the
matrimonial intrigue of which Alba had spoken to him.

"Anything that your friend wishes, my dear sir.... Is it not so,
Peppino?" said the Baron, seating himself at his table. "Will you dictate
the letter yourself, Dorsenne?.... See, is this all right? You will
understand with what sentiments we have accepted this mission when you
learn that Fanny is betrothed to Prince Ardea, here present. The news
dates from three o'clock. So you are the first to know it, is he not,
Peppino?" He had drawn up not less than two hundred despatches. "Return
whenever you like with the Marquis.... I simply ask, under the
circumstances, that the interview take place, if it be possible, between
six and seven, or between nine and ten, in order not to interfere with
our little family dinner."

"Let us say nine o'clock," said Dorsenne. "Monsieur de Montfanon is
somewhat formal. He would like to have your reply by letter."

"Prince Ardea to marry Ma