So much philosophy could hardly have been expected of him.

"All my father's friends are not as indulgent as you are," saidMaxence, - "M. Desclavettes, for instance.""Have you seen him?""Yes, last night, about twelve o'clock. He came to ask us to getfather to pay him back, if we should ever see him again.""That might be an idea!"Mlle. Gilberte started.

"What!" said she, "you, too, sir, can imagine that my father hasrun away with millions?"The old lawyer shook his head.

"I believe nothing," he answered. "Favoral has taken me in socompletely, - me, who had the pretension of being a judge of men,- that nothing from him, either for good or for evil, could surpriseme hereafter."Mme. Favoral was about to offer some objection; but he stopped herwith a gesture.

"And yet," he went on, "I'd bet that he has gone off with emptypockets. His recent operations reveal a frightful distress. Hadhe had a few thousand francs at his command, would he have extortedfive hundred francs from a poor old woman, a newspaper-vender?

What did he want with the money? Try his luck once more, no doubt."He was seated, his elbow upon the arm of the chair, his head restingupon his hands, thinking; and the contraction of his featuresindicated an extraordinary tension of mind.

Suddenly he drew himself up.

"But why," he exclaimed, "why wander in idle conjectures? What dowe know about Favoral? Nothing. One entire side of his existenceescapes us, - that fantastic side, of which the insane prodigalitiesand inconceivable disorders have been revealed to us by the billsfound in his desk. He is certainly guilty; but is he as guilty aswe think? and, above all, is he alone guilty? Was it for himselfalone that he drew all this money? Are the missing millions reallylost? and wouldn't it be possible to find the biggest share of themin the pockets of some accomplice? Skilful men do not exposethemselves. They have at their command poor wretches, sacrificedin advance, and who, in exchange for a few crumbs that are thrownto them, risk the criminal court, are condemned, and go to prison.""That's just what I was telling my mother and sister, sir,"interrupted Maxence.

"And that's what I am telling myself," continued the old lawyer.

"I have been thinking over and over again of last evening's scene;and strange doubts have occurred to my mind. For a man who hasbeen robbed of a dozen millions, M. de Thaller was remarkably quietand self-possessed. Favoral appeared to me singularly calm for aman charged with embezzlement and forgery. M. de Thaller, asmanager of the Mutual Credit, is really responsible for the stolenfunds, and, as such, should have been anxious to secure the guiltyparty, and to produce him. Instead of that, he wished him to go,and actually brought him the money to enable him to leave. Was hein hopes of hushing up the affair? Evidently not, since the policehad been notified. On the other hand, Favoral seemed much moreangry than surprised by the occurrence. It was only on theappearance of the commissary of police that he seems to have losthis head; and then some very strange things escaped him, which Icannot understand."He was walking at random through the parlor, apparently ratheranswering the objections of his own mind than addressing himself tohis interlocutors, who were listening, nevertheless, with all theattention of which they were capable.

"I don't know," he went on. "An old traveler like me to be takenin thus! Evidently there is under all this one of those diabolicalcombinations which time even fails to unravel. We ought to see,to inquire "And then, suddenly stopping in front of Maxence,"How much did M. de Thaller bring to your father last evening?" heasked.

"Fifteen thousand francs.""Where are they?""Put away in mother's room.""When do you expect to take them back to M. de Thaller?""To-morrow.""Why not to-day?""This is Sunday. The offices of the Mutual Credit must be closed.""After the occurrences of yesterday, M. de Thaller must be at hisoffice. Besides, haven't you his private address?""I beg your pardon, I have."The old lawyer's small eyes were shining with unusual brilliancy.

He certainly felt deeply the loss of his money; but the idea thathe had been swindled for the benefit of some clever rascal wasabsolutely insupportable to him.

"If we were wise," he said again, "we'd do this. Mme. Favoralwould take these fifteen thousand francs, and we would go together,she and I, to see M. de Thaller."It was an unexpected good-fortune for Mme. Favoral, that M.

Chapelain should consent to assist her. So, without hesitating,"The time to dress, sir," she said, "and I am ready." She left theparlor; but as she reached her room, her son joined her.

"I am obliged to go out, dear mother," he said; "and I shallprobably not be home to breakfast."She looked at him with an air of painful surprise. "What," she said,"at such a moment!""I am expected home.""By whom? A woman?" she murmured.

"Well, yes.""And it is for that woman's sake that you want to leave your sisteralone at home?""I must, mother, I assure you; and, if you only knew -""I do not wish to know, any thing."But his resolution had been taken. He went off; and a few momentslater Mme. Favoral and M. Chapelain entered a cab which had beensent for, and drove to M. de Thaller's.

Left alone, Mlle. Gilberte had but one thought, - to notify M. deTregars, and obtain word from him. Any thing seemed preferable tothe horrible anxiety which oppressed her. She had just commenceda letter, which she intended to have taken to the Count de Villegre,when a violent ring of the bell made her start; and almostimmediately the servant came in, saying,"It is a gentleman who wishes to see you, a friend of monsieur's,- M. Costeclar, you know."Mlle. Gilberte started to her feet, trembling with excitement.

"That's too much impudence!" she exclaimed. She was hesitatingwhether to refuse him the door, or to see him, and dismiss himshamefully herself, when she had a sudden inspiration. "What doeshe want?" she thought. "Why not see him, and try and find out whathe knows? For he certainly must know the truth."But it was no longer time to deliberate. Above the servant'sshoulder M. Costeclar,s pale and impudent face showed itself.

The girl having stepped to one side, he appeared, hat in hand.

Although it was not yet nine o'clock, his morning toilet wasirreproachably correct. He had already passed through thehair-dresser's hands; and his scanty hair was brought forward overhis low fore-head with the usual elaborate care.

He wore a pair of those ridiculous trousers which grow wide fromthe knee down, and which were invented by Prussian tailors to hidetheir customers' ugly feet. Under his light-colored overcoat couldbe seen a velvet-faced jacket, with a rose in its buttonhole.

Meantime, he remained motionless on the threshold of the door,trying to smile, and muttering one of those sentences which arenever intended to be finished.

"I beg you to believe, mademoiselle your mother's absence - my mostrespectful admiration -"In fact, he was taken aback by the disorder of the girl's toilet,- disorder which she had had no time to repair since the clamorsof the creditors had started her from her bed.

She wore a long brown cashmere wrapper, fitting quite close overthe hips setting off the vigorous elegance of her figure, themaidenly perfections of her waist, and the exquisite contour ofher neck. Gathered up in haste, her thick blonde hair escapedfrom beneath the pins, and spread over her shoulders in luminouscascades. Never had she appeared to M. Costeclar as lovely as atthis moment, when her whole frame was vibrating with suppressedindignation her cheeks flushed, her eyes flashing.

"Please come in, sir," she uttered.

He stepped forward, no longer bowing humbly as formerly, but withlegs outstretched, chest thrown out, with an ill-concealed look ofgratified vanity. "I did not expect the honor of your visit, sir,"said the young girl.

Passing rapidly his hat and his cane from the right hand into theleft, and then the right hand upon his heart, his eyes raised tothe ceiling, and with all the depth of expression of which he wascapable,"It is in times of adversity that we know our real friends,mademoiselle," he uttered. "Those upon whom we thought we couldrely the most, often, at the first reverse, take flight forever!"She felt a shiver pass over her. Was this an allusion to Marius?

The other, changing his tone, went on,"It's only last night that I heard of poor Favoral's discomfiture,at the bourse where I had gone for news. It was the general topicof conversation. Twelve millions! That's pretty hard. The MutualCredit Society might not be able to stand it. From 580 at whichit was selling before the news, it dropped at once to 300. At nineo'clock, there were no takers at 180 And yet, if there is nothingbeyond what they say, at 180, I am in."Was he forgetting himself, or pretending to?

"But please excuse me, mademoiselle," he resumed: "that's not whatI came to tell you."I came to ask if you had any news of our poor Favoral.""We have none, sir.""Then it is true: he succeeded in getting away through this window?""Yes.""And he did not tell you where he meant to take refuge?"Observing M. Costeclar with all her power of penetration, Mlle.

Gilberte fancied she discovered in him something like a certainsurprise mingled with joy.

"Then Favoral must have left without a sou!""They accuse him of having carried away millions, sir; but I wouldswear that it is not so."M. Costeclar approved with a nod.

"I am of the same opinion he declared, "unless - but no, he was notthe man to try such a game. And yet - but again no, he was tooclosely watched. Besides, he was carrying a very heavy load, a loadthat exhausted all his resources."Mlle. Gilberte, hoping that she was going to learn something, madean effort to preserve her indifference.

"What do you mean?" she inquired.

He looked at her, smiled, and, in a light tone,"Nothing," he answered, "only some conjectures of my own."And throwing himself upon a chair, his head leaning upon its back,"That is not the object of my visit either," he uttered. "Favoralis overboard: don't let us say any thing more about him. Whetherhe has got 'the bag' or not, you'll never see him again: he is asgood as dead. Let us, therefore, talk of the living, of yourself.

What's going to become of you?""I do not understand your question, sir.""It is perfectly limpid, nevertheless. I am asking myself how youare going to live, your mother and yourself?

"Providence will not abandon us, sir?"M. Costeclar had crossed his legs, and with the end of his cane hewas negligently tapping his immaculate boot.

"Providence!" he giggled; "that's very good on the stage, in a play,with low music in the orchestra. I can just see it. In real life,unfortunately, the life which we both live, you and I, it is notwith words, were they a yard long, that the baker, the grocer, andthose rascally landlords, can be paid, or that dresses and shoescan be bought."She made no answer.

"Now, then," he went on, "here you are without a penny. Is itMaxence who will supply you with money? Poor fellow! Where wouldhe get it? He has hardly enough for himself. Therefore, what areyou going to do?"I shall work, sir."He got up, bowed low, and, resuming his seat,"My sincere compliments," he said. "There is but one obstacle tothat fine resolution: it is impossible for a woman to live by herlabor alone. Servants are about the only ones who ever get theirfull to eat.""I'll be a servant, if necessary.".

For two or three seconds he remained taken aback, but, recoveringhimself,"How different things would be," he resumed in an insinuating tone,"if you had not rejected me when I wanted to become your husband!

But you couldn't bear the sight of me. And yet, 'pon my word, I wasin love with you, oh, but for good and earnest! You see, I am ajudge of women; and I saw very well how you would look, handsomelydressed and got up, leaning back in a fine carriage in the Bois -"Stronger than her will, disgust rose to her lips.

"Ah, sir!" she said.

He mistook her meaning.

"You are regretting all that," he continued. "I see it. Formerly,eh, you would never have consented to receive me thus, alone withyou, which proves that girls should not be headstrong, my dear child."He, Costeclar, he dared to call her, "My dear child." Indignant andinsulted, "Oh!" she exclaimed. But he had started, and kept on,"Well, such as I was, I am still. To be sure, there probably wouldbe nothing further said about marriage between us; but, frankly,what would you care if the conditions were the same, - a fine house,carriages, horses, servants -"Up to this moment, she, had not fully understood him. Drawingherself up to her fullest height, and pointing to the door,"Leave this moment," she ordered.

But he seemed in no wise disposed to do so: on the contrary, palerthan usual, his eyes bloodshot, his lips trembling, and smiling astrange smile, he advanced towards Mlle. Gilberte.

"What!" said he. "You are in trouble, I kindly come to offer myservices, and this is the way you receive me! You prefer to work,do you? Go ahead then, my lovely one, prick your pretty fingers,and redden your eyes. My time will come. Fatigue and want, coldin the winter, hunger in all seasons, will speak to your littleheart of that kind Costeclar who adores you, like a big fool thathe is, who is a serious man and who has money, - much money."Beside herself,"Wretch!" cried the girl, "leave, leave at once.""One moment," said a strong voice.

M. Costeclar looked around.

Marius de Tregars stood within the frame of the open door.

"Marius!" murmured Mlle. Gilberte, rooted to the spot by a surprisehardly less immense than her joy.

To behold him thus suddenly, when she was wondering whether shewould ever see him again; to see him appear at the very momentwhen she found herself alone, and exposed to the basest outrages,- it was one of those fortunate occurrences which one can scarcelyrealize; and from the depth of her soul rose something like a hymnof thanks.

Nevertheless, she was confounded at M. Costeclar's attitude.

According to her, and from what she thought she knew, he should havebeen petrified at the sight of M. de Tregars.

And he did not even seem to know him. He seemed shocked, annoyedat being interrupted, slightly surprised, but in no wise moved orfrightened. Knitting his brows,"What do you wish?" he inquired in his most impertinent tone.

M. de Tregars stepped forward. He was somewhat pale, but unnaturallycalm, cool, and collected. Bowing to Mlle. Gilberte,"If I have thus ventured to enter your apartment, mademoiselle," heuttered gently, " it is because, as I was going by the door, Ithought I recognized this gentleman's carriage."And, with his finger over his shoulder, he was pointing to M.

Costeclar.

"Now," he went on, "I had reason to be somewhat astonished at this,after the positive orders I had given him never to set his feet, notonly in this house, but in this part of the city. I wished to findout exactly. I came up: I heard -"All this was said in a tone of such crushing contempt, that a slapon the face would have been less cruel. All the blood in M.

Costeclar's veins rushed to his face.

"You!" he interrupted insolently: "I do not know you."Imperturbable, M. de Tregars was drawing off his gloves.

"Are you quite certain of that?" he replied. "Come, you certainlyknow my old friend, M. de Villegre?"An evident feeling of anxiety appeared on M. Costeclar's countenance.

"I do," he stammered.

"Did not M. Villegre call upon you before the war?""He did.""Well, 'twas I who sent him to you; and the commands which hedelivered to you were mine."Yours?"Mine. I am Marius de Tregars."A nervous shudder shook M. Costeclar's lean frame. Instinctivelyhis eye turned towards the door.

"You see," Marius went on with the same gentleness, "we are, youand I, old acquaintances. For you quite remember me now, don'tyou? I am the son of that poor Marquis de Tregars who came toParis, all the way from his old Brittany with his whole fortune,- two millions.""I remember," said the stock-broker: "I remember perfectly well.""On the advice of certain clever people, the Marquis de Tregarsventured into business. Poor old man! He was not very sharp. Hewas firmly persuaded that he had already more than doubled hiscapital, when his honorable partners demonstrated to him that he wasruined, and, besides, compromised by certain signatures imprudentlygiven."Mlle. Gilberte was listening, her mouth open, and wondering whatMarius was aiming at, and how he could remain so calm.

"That disaster," he went on, "was at the time the subject of anenormous number of very witty jokes. The people of the boursecould hardly admire enough these bold financiers who had, so deftlyrelieved that candid marquis of his money. That was well done forhim; what was he meddling with? As to myself, to stop theprosecutions with which my father was threatened, I gave up all Ihad. I was quite young, and, as you see, quite what you call, Ibelieve, 'green.' I am no longer so now. Were such a thing tohappen to me to-day, I should want to know at once what had becomeof the millions: I would feel all the pockets around me. I wouldsay, 'Stop thief!'"At every word, as it were, M. Costeclar's uneasiness became moremanifest.

"It was not I," he said, "who received the benefit of M. de Tregars'

fortune."Marius nodded approvingly.

"I know now," he replied, "among whom the spoils were divided. You,M. Costeclar, you took what you could get, timidly, and according toyour means. Sharks are always accompanied by small fishes, to whichthey abandon the crumbs they disdain. You were but a small fishthen: you accommodated yourself with what your patrons, the sharks,did not care about. But, when you tried to operate alone, you werenot shrewd enough: you left proofs of your excessive appetite forother people's money. Those proofs I have in my possession."M. COSTECLAR was now undergoing perfect torture.

"I am caught," he said, "I know it: I told M. de Villegre so.""Why are you here, then?""How did I know that the count had been sent by you?""That's a poor reason, sir.""Besides, after what has occ............