abine will be Madame de Breulh-Faverlay before the close of the year."

Hortebise had not Mascarin's courage; indeed, he was frequently
terrified at his confederate's projects; but having once given in his
adherence, he was to be relied on, and did not hesitate for a moment.
"I confess, madame, that I heard that mentioned before;" returned he
cautiously.

"And, pray, who was your informant?"

"Oh, I have had it from many sources; and let me say at once that it was
this marriage, and no mere chance, that brought me here to-day."

Madame de Mussidan liked the doctor and his pleasant and witty
conversation very much, and was always charmed to see him; but it
was intolerable that he should venture to interfere in her daughter's
marriage. "Really, sir, you confer a great honor upon the Count and
myself," answered she haughtily.

Her severe manner, however, did not cause the doctor to lose his temper.
He had come to say certain things in a certain manner. He had learned
his part, and nothing that the Countess could say would prevent his
playing it.

"I assure you, madame," returned he, "that when I accepted the mission
with which I am charged, I only did so from my feelings of respect to
you and yours."

"You are really very kind," answered the Countess superciliously.

"And I am sure, madame, that after you have heard what I have to say,
you will have even more reason to agree with me." His manner as he
said this was so peculiar, that the Countess started as though she had
received a galvanic shock. "For more than twenty-five years," pursued
the doctor, "I have been the constant depository of strange family
secrets, and some of them have been very terrible ones. I have
often found myself in a very delicate position, but never in such an
embarrassing one as I am now."

"You alarm me," said the Countess, dropping her impatient manner.

"If, madame, what I have come to relate to you are the mere ravings of
a lunatic, I will offer my most sincere apologies; but if, on the
contrary, his statements are true--and he has irrefragable proofs in his
possession,--then, madame----"

"What then, doctor?"

"Then, madame, I can only say, make every use of me, for I will
willingly place my life at your disposal."

The Countess uttered a laugh as artificial as the tears of
long-expectant heirs. "Really," said she, "your solemn air and tones
almost kill me with laughter."

"She laughs too heartily, and at the wrong time. Mas