ce of
business!" he muttered--"what a piece of business! I've had seven years'
experience in such matters, and yet I've never met with an affair
so shrouded in mystery. My forty thousand francs are in a precarious
condition. Certainly I've lost money before through heirs whose
existence I hadn't even suspected; but by reinstating these same heirs
in their rights, I've regained my lost money, and received a handsome
reward in addition; but in this case all is darkness; there isn't a
single gleam of light--not the slightest clew. If I could only find
them! But how can I search for people whose names I don't even know--for
people who have escaped all the inquiries of the police? And where shall
I look for them--in Europe, in America? It would be sheer madness! To
whom, then, will the count's millions go?"

It was only the sudden stoppage of the cab in front of his own door that
recalled M. Fortunat to the realities of life. "Here are twenty
francs, Victor," he said to Chupin. "Pay the driver, and keep the rest
yourself."

As he spoke, he sprang nimbly to the ground. A handsome brougham, drawn
by two horses, was standing before the house. "The Marquis de Valorsay's
carriage," muttered M. Fortunat. "He has been very patient; he has
waited for me--or, rather, he has waited for my ten thousand francs.
Well, we shall see."

III.

M. Fortunat had scarcely started off on his visit to the Vantrassons
when the Marquis de Valorsay reached the Place de la Bourse.

"Monsieur has gone out," said Madame Dodelin, as she opened the door.

"You must be mistaken, my good woman."

"No, no; my master said you would, perhaps, wait for him."

"Very well; I will do so."

Faithful to the orders she had received, the servant conducted the
visitor to the drawing-room, lit the tapers in the candelabra, and
retired. "This is very strange!" growled the marquis. "Monsieur Fortunat
makes an appointment, Monsieur Fortunat expects me to wait for him! What
will happen next?" However, he drew a newspaper from his pocket, threw
himself into an arm-chair, and waited.

By his habits and tastes, the Marquis de Valorsay belonged to that
section of the aristocracy which has coined the term "high life" in view
of describing its own manners and customs. The matters that engrossed
the marquis's frivolous mind were club-life and first performances at
the opera and the leading theatres, social duties and visits to the
fashionable watering-places,