here. I am commissioned to inform you
that my clients desire that you should break off the engagement between
your daughter and M. de Breulh-Faverlay, and that the missing paper will
be handed to you on the completion of her marriage with any else whom
you may deem worthy of such an honor."

This demand, which was utterly unexpected, so astonished the Count that
he could only exclaim, "Why, this is absolute madness!"

"No; it is plain, good sense, and a _bona fide_ offer."

An idea suddenly flashed across the Count's mind. "Is it your
intention," asked he, "to furnish me with a son-in-law too?"

"I am sure, my lord," answered Mascarin, looking the picture of
disinterested honesty, "that, even to save yourself, you would never
sacrifice your daughter."

"But--"

"You are entirely mistaken; it is M. de Breulh-Faverlay whom my clients
wish to strike at, for they have taken an oath that he shall never wed a
lady with a million for her dowry."

So surprised was the Count, that the whole aspect of the interview
seemed to have changed, and he now combated his own objections instead
of those of his unwelcome visitor. "M. de Breulh-Faverlay has my
promise," remarked he; "but of course it is easy to find a pretext. The
Countess, however, is in favor of the match, and the chief opposition to
any change will come from her."

Mascarin did not think it wise to make any reply, and the Count
continued, "My daughter also may not view this rupture with
satisfaction."

Thanks to the information he had received from Florestan, Mascarin knew
how much importance to attach to this. "Mademoiselle, at her age and
with her tastes, is not likely to have her heart seriously engaged." For
fully a quarter of an hour the Count still hesitated. He knew that he
was entirely at the mercy of those miscreants, and his pride revolted at
the idea of submission; but at length he yielded.

"I agree," said he. "My daughter shall not marry M. de Breulh-Faverlay."

Even in his hour of triumph, Mascarin's face did not change. He bowed
profoundly, and left the room; but as he descended the stairs, he rubbed
his hands, exclaiming, "If the doctor has made as good a job of it as I
have, success is certain."

CHAPTER VI.

A MEDICAL ADVISER.

Doctor Hortebise did not find it necessary to resort to any of those
expedients which Mascarin had found it advisable to use in order to
reach Madame de Mussidan. As soon as he presented himself--that is,
af