e known to be rigidly uncompromising in all matters having
reference to ancestry, it was concluded that Jean Baptiste do Veron
had been able to satisfy his noble friends, that although _de facto_ a
merchant from the sad necessities of the evil time, he was _de jure_
entitled to take rank and precedence with the illustrious though
decayed nobility of France. It might be, too, as envious gossips
whispered, that any slight flaw or break in the chain of De Veron's
patrician descent, had been concealed or overlooked in the glitter of
his wealth, more especially if it was true, as rumour presently began
to circulate, that the immense sum--in French eyes and ears--of
300,000 francs (L.12,000) was to be settled upon Mademoiselle de
Merode and her heirs on the day which should see her united in holy
wedlock with Eugene de Veron, by this time a fine-looking young man,
of one or two-and-twenty, and, like ninety-nine in every hundred of
the youth of France, strongly prejudiced _against_ the pretensions of
mere birth and hereditary distinction.

Rumour in this instance was correctly informed. 'Eugene,' said M. de
Veron, addressing his son in his usual cold positive manner, and at
the same time locking his private ecritoire, the hand of the clock
being just on the stroke of five, the hour for closing--'I have a
matter of importance to inform you of. All differences between me and
the Chevalier de Merode relative to your marriage with his daughter,
Mademoiselle de Merode, are'----

'Hein!' ejaculated Eugene, suddenly whirling round upon his stool, and
confronting his father. 'Hein!'

'All differences, I say,' resumed M. de Veron with unruffled calm and
decision, 'between myself and the chevalier are arranged _a
l'aimable_; and the contract of marriage will be ready, for your and
Mademoiselle de Merode's signature, on Monday next at two precisely.'

'Mine and Mademoiselle de Merode's!' repeated the astounded son, who
seemed half doubtful whether he saw or heard aright.

'Yes. No wonder you are surprised. So distinguished a connection could
hardly, under the circumstances, have been hoped for; and it would
have been cruel to have given you any intimation on the subject whilst
there was a chance of the negotiation issuing unfavourably. Your wife
and you will, for the present, at all events, take up your abode at
Mon Sejour; and I must consequently look out at once for a smaller, a
more bachelor-suiting residence.'

'My wife and me