fortune. The
Marquis had found out this, and was utterly involved, when Mascarin
extended a helping hand to him, to which he clung with all the energy of
a drowning man.

Whatever Henry de Croisenois' anxieties may have been on the day in
question, he did not allow a symptom of them to appear, and on his
entrance negligently drawled, "I have kept you waiting, I fear; but
really my time is not my own. I am quite at your service now, and will
wait until these gentlemen have finished their business with you." And
as he concluded, he again placed the cigar which he had removed while
saying these words, to his lips.

His manner was very insolent, and yet the amiable Mascarin did not seem
offended, although he loathed the scent of tobacco.

"We had begun to despair of seeing you, Marquis," answered he politely.
"I say so, because these gentlemen are here to meet you. Permit me to
introduce to you, Dr. Hortebise, M. Catenac of the Parisian bar, and our
secretary," pointing as he spoke, to Paul.

As soon as Croisenois had taken his seat, Mascarin went straight to the
point, as a bullet to the target. "I do not intend," began he, "to leave
you in doubt for a moment. Beatings about the bush would be absurd among
persons like ourselves."

At finding himself thus classed with the other persons present, the
Marquis gave a little start, and then drawled out, "You flatter me,
really."

"I may tell you, Marquis," resumed Mascarin, "that your marriage has
been definitely arranged by myself and my associates. All you have to do
is to get the young lady's consent; for that of the Count and Countess
has already been secured."

"There will be no difficulty in that," lisped the Marquis. "I will
promise her the best horsed carriage in the Bois, a box at the opera,
unlimited credit at Van Klopen's, and perfect freedom. There will be
no difficulty, I assure you. Of course, however, I must be presented by
some one who holds a good position in society."

"Would the Viscountess de Bois Arden suit you?"

"No one better; she is a relation of the Count de Mussidan."

"Good; then when you wish, Madame de Bois Arden will introduce you as a
suitor for the young lady's hand, and praise you up to the skies."

The Marquis looked very jubilant at hearing this. "All right," cried he;
"then that decides the matter."

Paul wondered whether he was awake or dreaming. He too had been promised
a rich wife, and here was another man who was being prov