our enemy will find public opinion solidly against him.

Will you permit me, madame, to recall myself to the memory of
Mademoiselle Cecile, and accept yourself, together with Monsieur
Beauvisage, the assurance of my most respectful sentiments.

A hint from certain quarters given to the ministerial journals now
began to surround Sallenauve's name with an atmosphere of disrespect and
ridicule; insulting insinuations colored his absence with an appearance
of escaping the charges. The effect of these attacks was all the
greater because Sallenauve was very weakly defended by his political
co-religionists, which was scarcely surprising. Not knowing how to
explain his conduct, the Opposition papers were afraid to commit
themselves in favor of a man whose future was daily becoming more
nebulous.

On the evening before the day on which the time granted for an
explanation would expire, Sallenauve being still absent, a ministerial
paper published, under the heading of "A Lost Deputy," a very witty
and insolent article, which was read by every one and created a great
sensation. During that evening Madame de l'Estorade went to see Madame
de Camps, whom she found alone with her husband. She was greatly
agitated, and said, as soon as she entered the room,--

"Have you read that infamous article?"

"No," replied Madame Octave, "but Monsieur de Camps was just telling
me about it. It is really shameful that the ministry should not only
countenance, but instigate such villanies."

"I am half crazy," said Madame de l'Estorade; "the whole blame rests on
us."

"That is saying too much," said Madame Octave.

"No," said her husband, "I agree with madame; all the venom of this
affair could have been destroyed by one action of de l'Estorade's, and
in refusing to make it he is, if not the author, at least the accomplice
of this slander."

"Your wife has told you--" began Madame de l'Estorade in a reproachful
tone.

"Yes," said Madame de Camps; "it was necessary to explain to my husband
the sort of madness that seemed to have taken possession of M. de
l'Estorade; but what I said to him was not unfaithful to any secret that
concerned you personally."

"Ah! you are such a united pair," said Madame de l'Estorade, with a
heavy sigh. "I don't regret that you have told all that to your husband;
in fact, two heads are better than one to advise me in the cruel
position in which I am placed."

"What has happened?" asked Madame de Cam