te glass, when Salmoros entered. A moment later the meal was
served, simple in its elements, but perfectly cooked.

The wine served during the few courses was champagne. The Baron had a
couple of glasses at both lunch and dinner; he believed in its
stimulating properties.

Then a bottle of claret of the finest vintage was put on the table,
and the financier produced some perfect cigars. There was no doubt
that Baron Andreas Salmoros had a great respect for his creature
comforts. A man of the profoundest intellect, he was also an artist
and an epicure.

"Now, my young friend," he said as he puffed at his excellent cigar
with every appearance of enjoying to the full its flavour and perfume.
"We will talk. Help yourself to that claret; I can recommend it."

Nello did as he was requested. His head was swimming a little from the
unaccustomed champagne, but he had no desire to forfeit the Baron's
good graces by proclaiming himself a weakling. If this was how people
in the great world lived, he must pretend to be used to it.

He waited respectfully for the great man to unfold the plan that would
perhaps change his whole life and open out to him a new world. Of
course he was shrewd enough to guess that whatever was proposed would
be as much in the Baron's interests as his own.

But he did not feel resentful over this. Philanthropists pure and
simple are not generally found amid such palatial surroundings. Poor
old Papa Peron had been one without doubt, and he had flung his money
about right and left; wrecked his life for a sentimental attachment
and drawn his last breath in a mean lodging. Emphatically Baron
Salmoros was not of the same breed. He seemed kindly, and there was
often a benevolent gleam in those clear, shrewd eyes. But for every
ounce of help he gave, he would stipulate for a handsome return.

"I think, Corsini, we can help each other very considerably. I believe
it is in my power to advance you in two ways; in the more permanent
direction that my dear old friend, Jean Villefort, suggests, and also
in the artistic way. I take it, the latter is really nearer to your
heart. Even if your success has not been stupendous, you have set your
first footstep on the ladder of fame."

"I should be very sorry if I found it an absolute necessity to give up
my musical career altogether, Baron."

Salmoros nodded his massive snow-white head. "In that you have my
fullest sympathy. I told you a short time ago what I would