orges, in his turn, colored.

"That is as it should be. It is strange, however, that he should write
to you and not to me, for I am the head of the family legally."

"Shall we go at once?" she asked.

"Yes, I should like to."

After luncheon they set out for M. Lamaneur's office.

The notary was a short, round man--round all over. His head looked like
a ball fastened to another ball, which was supported by legs so short
that they too almost resembled balls.

He bowed, as Du Roy and his wife were shown into his office, pointed to
seats, and said, turning to Madeleine: "Madame, I sent for you in order
to inform you of Count de Vaudrec's will, which will be of interest to
you."

Georges could not help muttering: "I suspected that."

The notary continued: "I shall read you the document which is very
brief."

"'I, the undersigned, Paul Emile Cyprien Gontran, Count de
Vaudrec, sound both in body and mind, here express my last
wishes. As death might take me away at any moment, I wish to
take the precaution of drawing up my will, to be deposited with
M. Lamaneur.'"

"'Having no direct heirs, I bequeath all my fortune, comprising
stocks and bonds for six hundred thousand francs and landed
property for five hundred thousand, to Mme. Claire Madeleine du
Roy unconditionally. I beg her to accept that gift from a dead
friend as a proof of devoted, profound, and respectful
affection.'"

The notary said: "That is all. That document bears the date of August
last, and took the place of one of the same nature made two years ago
in the name of Mme. Claire Madeleine Forestier. I have the first will,
which would prove, in case of contestation on the part of the family,
that Count de Vaudrec had not changed his mind."

Madeleine cast down her eyes; her cheeks were pale. Georges nervously
twisted his mustache.

The notary continued after a moment's pause: "It is of course
understood that Madame cannot accept that legacy without your consent."

Du Roy rose and said shortly: "I ask time for reflection."

The notary smiled, bowed, and replied pleasantly: "I comprehend the
scruples which cause you to hesitate. I may add that M. de Vaudrec's
nephew, who was informed this morning of his uncle's last wishes,
expresses himself as ready to respect them if he be given one hundred
thousand francs. In my opinion the will cannot be broken, but a lawsuit
would cause a sensation which you