.

"But such a demand would arouse his suspicions."

"I think not, madame, and I see a way of doing it; have you a maid upon
whom you could rely?"

"Yes, I have one."

"Good, then give the girl a letter and the notes done up in a separate
parcel, and tell her exactly what she is to do. When she sees the
Marquis, let her pretend to be alarmed at the great responsibility that
she is incurring in carrying this large sum, and insist upon a receipt
for her own protection."

"There is sound sense in that," said De Breulh.

"Yes, yes," said the Viscountess, "Josephine will do--as sharp a girl as
you could find in a day's journey--and will manage the thing admirably.
Trust to me," she continued, as a smile of hope spread over her face;
"I will keep De Croisenois in a good humor; he will confide in me, and
I will tell you everything. But, oh dear! what shall I do without Van
Klopen? Why, there is not another man in Paris fit to stand in his
shoes."

With these words the Viscountess rose to leave.

"I am completely worn out," remarked she; "and I have a dinner-party
to-night. Good-bye then, until we meet again;" and with her spirits
evidently as joyous as ever, she tripped into her carriage.

"Now," said Andre, as soon as they were once more alone, "we are on
the track of De Croisenois. He evidently holds Madame de Mussidan as he
holds Madame de Bois Arden. His is a really honorable mode of action; he
surprises a secret, and then turns extortioner."

CHAPTER XXV.

A NEW SKIN.

Dr. Hortebise's private arrangements were sadly upset by his being
compelled to accede to the desire of Tantaine and Mascarin, and in
granting hospitality to Paul Violaine; and in spite of the brilliant
visions of the future, he often devoutly wished that Mascarin and his
young friend were at the other side of the world; but for all that
he never thought of attempting to evade the order he had received. He
therefore set himself steadily to his task, endeavoring to form Paul's
mind, blunt his conscience, and prepare him for the inevitable part that
he would soon have to play.

Paul found in him a most affable companion, pleasant, witty, and gifted
with great conversational powers. Five days were thus spent breakfasting
at well-known restaurants, driving in the Bois, and dining at clubs of
which the doctor was a member, while the evenings were passed at the
banker's. The doctor played cards with his host, while Paul and
Flavia conversed