onths, and everybody wonders where he gets the money. If they mention
it when I am present, I just call them to order. Ah! but--'Do you
suppose' (I told them this morning), 'do you suppose that if the
d'Esgrignon family have lost their manorial rights, that therefore they
have been robbed of their hoard of treasure? The young Count has a right
to do as he pleases; and so long as he does not owe you a half-penny,
you have no right to say a word.'"

Mlle, Armande held out her hand, and the notary kissed it respectfully.

"Good Chesnel!... But, my friend, how shall we find the money for this
journey? Victurnien must appear as befits his rank at court."

"Oh! I have borrowed money on Le Jard, mademoiselle."

"What? You have nothing left! Ah, heaven! what can we do to reward you?"

"You can take the hundred thousand francs which I hold at your disposal.
You can understand that the loan was negotiated in confidence, so that
it might not reflect on you; for it is known in the town that I am
closely connected with the d'Esgrignon family."

Tears came into Mlle. Armande's eyes. Chesnel saw them, took a fold of
the noble woman's dress in his hands, and kissed it.

"Never mind," he said, "a lad must sow his wild oats. In great salons in
Paris his boyish ideas will take a new turn. And, really, though our old
friends here are the worthiest folk in the world, and no one could have
nobler hearts than they, they are not amusing. If M. le Comte wants
amusement, he is obliged to look below his rank, and he will end by
getting into low company."

Next day the old traveling coach saw the light, and was sent to be put
in repair. In a solemn interview after breakfast, the hope of the house
was duly informed of his father's intentions regarding him--he was to
go to court and ask to serve His Majesty. He would have time during the
journey to make up his mind about his career. The navy or the army, the
privy council, an embassy, or the Royal Household,--all were open to a
d'Esgrignon, a d'Esgrignon had only to choose. The King would certainly
look favorably upon the d'Esgrignons, because they had asked nothing of
him, and had sent the youngest representative of their house to receive
the recognition of Majesty.

But young d'Esgrignon, with all his wild pranks, had guessed
instinctively what society in Paris meant, and formed his own opinions
of life. So when they talked of his leaving the country and the paternal
roof, he listened wit