sired him to attend her in the saloon.
Jasmin bowed, and followed her.

When left to herself by Isidore, a few minutes' reflection had enabled
the baroness to realise the exact position of affairs, and she had at
once set about considering what course she would have to take if she
would prevent her cherished scheme from being utterly overthrown. She
knew Isidore's father well, and believed it quite possible that his
affection for his son might outweigh any considerations founded on the
mere absence of rank and fortune on the part of Marguerite, especially
if he were once convinced that Isidore had plighted his word in the
honest belief that he was acting in accordance with his father's
wishes. Yes, that was the point she had to look to. She knew her own
influence over the marquis, but it must be brought to bear strongly and
without delay, and Isidore must, if possible, be prevented from
forestalling her. All this was being weighed whilst her nephew was
debating the matter with Clotilde and Marguerite. Having formed her
resolution, the baroness had rung the bell, and ordered her coach to be
got ready, saying that she desired to take an airing; she then hastened
to equip herself for a journey. Coming upon Monsieur Jasmin, however,
in the corridor a fresh thought struck her.

On reaching the saloon the lady paused awhile, and then addressed the
valet thus--

"I have heard highly creditable accounts of the zeal and ability with
which you discharge your duties, Monsieur Jasmin, and of your fidelity
to your master."

The valet knew that this was not true; besides, even the overstrained
euphuism of the day would not lead the proud Baroness de Valricour to
speak thus to a mere valet--unless, indeed, she had some covert end in
view. What did she want? That was the question.

Jasmin bowed, and answered with some common-place remark, expressing
his obligations to madame for her good opinion.

"Monsieur de Beaujardin gives handsome wages, no doubt," was her next
remark, "and you would not care to leave his service, I suppose?"

Jasmin certainly had no desire to exchange the liberal _menage_ of
Beaujardin for the scarcely disguised poverty of Valricour, but it was
second nature with him to cringe and flatter: "I could not desire to
quit so noble a family, except, indeed, for the service of so exalted
and gracious a personage as the Baroness de Valricour."

"That is precisely what I wish, Monsieur Jasmin," was the pr