ld.

To do this effectually it was necessary for her to be in a large
city--Paris, for example--where she could procure discreet and skilful
agents.

It was necessary to persuade Martial to remove to the capital. Aided by
the Duc de Sairmeuse, she did not find this a very difficult task; and
one morning, Mme. Blanche, with a radiant face, announced to Aunt Medea:

"Aunt, we leave just one week from to-day."

CHAPTER LI

Beset by a thousand fears and anxieties, Blanche had failed to notice
that Aunt Medea was no longer the same.

The change, it is true, had been gradual; it had not struck the
servants, but it was none the less positive and real, and it betrayed
itself in numberless trifles.

For example, though the poor dependent still retained her humble,
resigned manner; she had lost, little by little, the servile fear that
had showed itself in her every movement. She no longer trembled when
anyone addressed her, and there was occasionally a ring of independence
in her voice.

If visitors were present, she no longer kept herself modestly in
the background, but drew forward her chair and took part in the
conversation. At table, she allowed her preferences and her dislikes to
appear. On two or three occasions she had ventured to differ from her
niece in opinion, and had even been so bold as to question the propriety
of some of her orders.

Once Mme. Blanche, on going out, asked Aunt Medea to accompany her; but
the latter declared she had a cold, and remained at home.

And, on the following Sunday, although Blanche did not wish to attend
vespers, Aunt Medea declared her intention of going; and as it rained,
she requested the coachman to harness the horses to the carriage, which
was done.

All this was nothing, in appearance; in reality, it was monstrous,
amazing. It was quite plain that the humble relative was becoming bold,
even audacious, in her demands.

As this departure, which her niece had just announced so gayly, had
never been discussed before her, she was greatly surprised.

"What! you are going away," she repeated; "you are leaving Courtornieu?"

"And without regret."

"To go where, pray?"

"To Paris. We shall reside there; that is decided. That is the place for
my husband. His name, his fortune, his talents, the favor of the King,
assure him a high position there. He will repurchase the Hotel de
Sairmeuse, and furnish it magnificently. We shall have a princely
establishment."

All th