ton. Mr. Rutledge aspires to the hand of this young lady,--so
says M. de Bois, who is intimately acquainted with her brother. If she
can be interested in our plans the vote of Mr. Rutledge is easily
secured."

Maurice could not help laughing.

"It is, _in reality_, the votes of _women_, then, that are to determine
the direction of this road? I ought hardly to be surprised at _that_;
for, if they have feeble voices in other lands, they have very decided
ones in America. But how is the young lady in question to be reached?"

"That is what I am pondering upon," resumed his father. "I shall form
some plan, you may be sure; and no time must be wasted in carrying it
into execution. I have already ventured to touch upon the subject to
Lord Linden, but have not said anything definite. It is a difficult
affair to conduct delicately; yet the obtaining of these votes is of
such vital importance that we must strain every nerve to secure them."

"Certainly, since it will more than treble the value of the property,"
observed Maurice, placidly. "By the by, I presume you have had no
occasion to use the power of attorney which I gave you? Just at this
moment it is very fortunate for me that the estate is wholly
unencumbered."

The count grew ashy pale; but Maurice did not observe his change of
color, nor mark the hesitating tone in which he replied, "Very
fortunate, of course,--very fortunate, indeed;" and then, looking at his
watch, he added, "It is time for your grandmother and Bertha to return.
Lord Linden and M. de Bois escorted them to the capitol. You must be
impatient to see them."

"In regard to this property, Mr. Lorrillard informs me," resumed
Maurice; but the count interrupted him.

"A visit to Madame de Fleury is now the first step to be taken; _there_
you may be useful; you are such a decided favorite of hers, that your
advocacy may be inestimable. Suppose you call at once, and learn at what
hour she will receive your grandmother, Bertha, and myself. A visit from
you will open the way."

"I will call with pleasure," answered Maurice. "I have a letter from Mr.
Lorrillard to his friend Mr. Emerson, which I should like to deliver
without delay. It is a matter of business. Mr. Lorrillard thinks that,
as my estate is wholly unencumbered"--

"We can talk of that at another time," replied the count, hurriedly.
"Suppose you pay your visit to the marchioness at once. It is hardly
worth while waiting for the ladies; no one