is face; any woman would fall in love with him. I'm
precious glad that my girl, Euphenice is nowhere near."

"And after that he went out?" continued Tantaine. "Did he say how long
he would be away?"

"Only to give his lessons. I suppose he expected that you would call."

"Very good," remarked the old man; then, addressing Dr. Hortebise, he
said, "Perhaps, sir, you are going to the Registry Office?"

"Yes; I want to see Mascarin."

"He is not there; but if you want to see him on any special matter, you
had better come to our young friend's apartment, and await his arrival."

"Very well, I will do so," answered the doctor.

Hortebise was much more impressed than Paul with the skill of the hand
which had imparted such a look of long occupation to the rooms.

"On my word, the quiet simplicity of these rooms would induce any father
to give his daughter to this young fellow."

The old man's silence surprised him, and turning sharply round, he was
struck by the gloomy look upon his features.

"What is the matter?" asked Hortebise, with some anxiety. "What is
troubling you?"

Tantaine had thrown himself into a chair, and for a moment made no
reply; then, springing to his feet, he gave the expiring embers a
furious kick, and faced the doctor with folded arms.

"I see much trouble before us," said he at last.

The doctor's face grew as gloomy as that of his companion.

"Is it Perpignan who interferes?" asked he.

"No, Perpignan is only a fool; but he will do what I tell him."

"Then I really do not see--"

"Do not see," exclaimed Tantaine; "but luckily for us all, I am not so
blind. Have you forgotten this marriage of De Croisenois? There lies the
danger. All had gone so smoothly, every combination had been arranged,
and every difficulty foreseen, and now----"

"Well, you had made too sure, that was all; and you were unprepared for
the slightest check."

"Not so, but I had made no attempt to guard against the impossible."

"Of course, there are limits to all human intelligence, but pray explain
yourself."

"This is it, then, doctor. The most adroit energy could never have
put in our way such an obstacle as now threatens us. Have you in
your experience of society ever come across a wealthy heiress who
is indifferent to all the allurements of luxury, and is capable of
disinterested love?"

The doctor smiled an expressive denial.

"But such an heiress does exist," said Tantaine, "and her name is Sabine
d