orbed by some
anxiety or disappointment which made him extremely restless. The
notary's visitors seemed to be either very tedious clients or engaged in
very important business; for more than half an hour elapsed before that
functionary made his appearance. He came into the room ceremoniously,
prepared to measure his words and reception by his visitor's rank; but
no sooner did he perceive who it was than his calculating features
relaxed into a professional smile, and he advanced rapidly toward
Gustave with outstretched hands.

"How are you, how are you, my dear sir?" said he. "I have been expecting
you for several days, and I am really happy to see you at last. I am
greatly flattered by the confidence you are disposed to place in me, and
am ready, whenever you please, to devote myself to your affairs.
By-the-way, I suppose there is a will?"

A shadow passed over Gustave's brow and his face became serious as he
took a portfolio from his overcoat and drew forth a package of papers.

"I am pained, sir, at your loss," said the notary. "Your excellent uncle
was my friend, and I deplore his death more than that of any one else.
It pleased God that he should die far away from his home. But such,
alas! is man's fate. We must console ourselves by the reflection that we
are all mortal. Your uncle was _very_ fond of you, and I suppose you
have not been forgotten in his last moments?"

"You may see for yourself," said Gustave, as he placed the package on
the table.

The notary ran his eyes over the papers, and, as he perused them, his
face exhibited by turns surprise and satisfaction.

"Permit me," said he, "to congratulate you, Monsieur Gustave; these
documents are all in order and unassailable. Heir of all his fortune! Do
you know, sir, that you are more than a _millionaire_?"

"We will speak of that another time," said Gustave, interrupting him
rather sharply. "I called on you to-day to ask a favor."

"You have but to name it, sir."

"You were the notary of Monsieur De Vlierbeck?"

"I was."

"I heard from my uncle that Monsieur De Vlierbeck had become very poor.
I have reasons for desiring that his misfortunes may not be prolonged."

"Sir," said the notary, "I presume that you intend to do him an act of
kindness; and, in truth, it could not be bestowed on a worthier man, for
I know the cause of his ruin and sufferings. He was a victim of
generosity and honor. He may have carried these virtues to imprudence
and even