self-possession, and as
a commencement you must utterly destroy your present identity."

"That I will do with the utmost willingness."

"You must become another person entirely; you must adopt his name, his
gait, his behavior, his virtues, and even his failings. You must forget
all that you have either said or done. You must always think that you
are in reality the person you represent yourself to be, for this is the
only way in which you can lead others into a similar belief. Your task
will be a heavy one."

"Ah, sir," cried the young man, enthusiastically, "can you doubt me?"

"The glorious beam of success that shines ahead of you will take your
attention from the difficulties and dangers of the road that you are
treading."

The genial Dr. Hortebise rubbed his hands.

"You are right," cried he, "quite right."

"When you have done this," resumed Mascarin, "we shall not hesitate to
acquaint you with the secret of the lofty destiny that awaits you. Do
you understand me fully?"

Here the speaker was interrupted by the entrance of Beaumarchef, who had
signified his desire to come in by three distinct raps upon the door.
He was now gorgeous to look upon, for having taken advantage of a spare
half hour, he had donned his best clothes.

"What is it?" demanded Mascarin.

"Here are two letters, sir."

"Thank you; hand them to me, and leave us."

As soon as they were once more alone, Mascarin examined the letters.

"Ah," cried he, "one from Van Klopen, and the other from the Hotel de
Mussidan. Let us first see what our friend the man-milliner has to say.

"DEAR SIR,--

"You may be at ease. Our mutual friend Verminet has executed your orders
most adroitly. At his instigation Gaston de Gandelu has forged the
banker Martin Rigal's signature on five different bills. I hold them,
and awaiting your further orders regarding them, and also with respect
to Madame de Bois Arden,

"I remain your obedient servant,

"VAN KLOPEN."

Tossing it on the table, Mascarin opened the other letter, which he also
read aloud.

"SIR,--

"I have to report to you the breaking off of the marriage between
Mademoiselle Sabine and M. de Breulh-Faverlay. Mademoiselle is very
ill, and I heard the medical man say that she might not survive the next
twenty-four hours.

"FLORESTAN."

Mascarin was so filled with rage on learning this piece of news, which
seemed likely to interfere with his plans, that he struck his hand down
heavil