that a great
many of their foibles which he ridiculed were also a little his own.

"If," continued he more seriously,--"if they only possessed a little
confidence in themselves, if they showed the least audacity! But
no! they count upon others to do for them what they ought to do for
themselves. In short, their proceedings are a series of confessions of
helplessness, of premature declarations of failure."

The coffee having been served, the count made a sign, and the servants
left the room.

"No," continued he, "I see but one hope for the French aristocracy, but
one plank of salvation, one good little law, establishing the right of
primogeniture."

"You will never obtain it."

"You think not? Would you then oppose such a measure, viscount?"

Albert knew by experience what dangerous ground his father was
approaching, and remained silent.

"Let us put it, then, that I dream of the impossible!" resumed the
count. "Then let the nobles do their duty. Let all the younger sons and
the daughters of our great families forego their rights, by giving up
the entire patrimony to the first-born for five generations, contenting
themselves each with a couple of thousand francs a year. By that means
great fortunes can be reconstructed, and families, instead of being
divided by a variety of interests, become united by one common desire."

"Unfortunately," objected the viscount, "the time is not favorable to
such devotedness."

"I know it, sir," replied the count quickly; "and in my own house I have
the proof of it. I, your father, have conjured you to give up all
idea of marrying the granddaughter of that old fool, the Marchioness
d'Arlange. And all to no purpose; for I have at last been obliged to
yield to your wishes."

"Father--" Albert commenced.

"It is well," interrupted the count. "You have my word; but remember my
prediction: you will strike a fatal blow at our house. You will be one
of the largest proprietors in France; but have half a dozen children,
and they will be hardly rich. If they also have as many, you will
probably see your grandchildren in poverty!"

"You put all at the worst, father."

"Without doubt: it is the only means of pointing out the danger, and
averting the evil. You talk of your life's happiness. What is that? A
true noble thinks of his name above all. Mademoiselle d'Arlange is
very pretty, and very attractive; but she is penniless. I had found an
heiress for you."

"Whom I should never