enlightened me, to my
sorrow. This model young man you see here left the gaming-house only to
run to public balls. He was in love with a wretched little ballet-girl
in some low theatre; and to please this creature, he also went upon the
stage, with his face painted red and white."

"To appear upon the stage is not a crime."

"No; but it is a crime to deceive one's father and to affect virtues
which one does not possess! Have I ever refused you money? No.
Notwithstanding that, you have contracted debts everywhere, and you owe
at least twenty thousand francs."

Jean hung his head; he was evidently angry, but he feared his father.

"Twenty thousand francs!" repeated M. Lacheneur. "I had them a fortnight
ago; now I have nothing. I can hope to obtain this sum only through
the generosity of the Duc de Sairmeuse and his son." These words from
Lacheneur's lips astonished the baron.

Lacheneur perceived it, and it was with every appearance of sincerity
and good faith that he resumed:

"Does what _I say_ surprise you? I understand why. My anger at first
made me give utterance to all sorts of absurd threats. But I am calm
now, and I realize my injustice. What could I expect the duke to do? To
make me a present of Sairmeuse? He was a trifle brusque, I confess, but
that is his way; at heart he is the best of men."

"Have you seen him again?"

"No; but I have seen his son. I have even been with him to the chateau
to designate the articles which I desire to keep. Oh! he refused me
nothing. Everything was placed at my disposal--everything. I selected
what I wished--furniture, clothing, linen. It is all to be brought here;
and I shall be quite a _grand seigneur_."

"Why not seek another house? This----"

"This pleases me, Monsieur. Its situation suits me perfectly."

In fact, why should not the Sairmeuse have regretted their odious
conduct? Was it impossible that Lacheneur, in spite of his indignation,
should conclude to accept honorable separation? Such were M.
d'Escorval's reflections.

"To say that the marquis has been kind is saying too little," continued
Lacheneur. "He has shown us the most delicate attentions. For example,
having noticed how much Marie-Anne regrets the loss of her flowers,
he has declared that he is going to send her plants to stock our small
garden, and that they shall be renewed every month."

Like all passionate men, M. Lacheneur overdid his part. This last remark
was too much; it awakened a si