to say about my son. He gambles and he
does other shocking things. One would think, to hear them talk, that
they were themselves paragons of virtue. As soon as the Vicomte marries
and settles down--by the way, what about Mademoiselle de Salves?"

"I only arrived last night, and have simply learned that their chateau
is not more than two leagues away, and that they must soon leave it to
return to Paris."

"Four millions!" cried the Marquis. "And to think that this fortune may
escape us!"

"The marriage is not yet decided, then?"

"Not precisely; and the smallest incident may ruin my plans. This
Labarre must be made to speak, even if violence be necessary."

"He is an incorruptible old fellow, and these honest people are
sometimes very hard to deal with."

The Marquis looked at him intently for a minute or two in silence, and
then, with an indescribable smile, said:

"I think we can manage him, nevertheless!"

Cyprien smiled.

"You know, beside," continued the Marquis, "that I am not ungrateful.
Let this Labarre surrender this secret and my son become the husband of
young Irene de Salves, and my position becomes stronger than ever. And
you may be certain that I shall not forget you!"

"I hope, sir, that it may be soon in my power to render you a most
important service."

"What may that be?"

"You are aware, I presume, that I take great interest in the
preservation of the present _regime_?"

"I was not aware of that," the Marquis said, with a slight elevation of
the eyebrows. It seemed to him that the opinions of Monsieur Cyprien
were of little importance, and that the government was not likely to
benefit by his sympathy and protection.

"The fact is, sir, your future and that of the monarchy are too nearly
allied for me to separate the two questions."

"You are right."

"And, in addition, I hold relations with persons who condescend to
recognize in me a certain ability in the management of confidential
matters."

"Pshaw! Who are these persons!"

"I will give you the name of one, sir--Monsieur Franchet."

And Cyprien stole a glance at his master, who started in spite of all
his self-control. This Franchet was at the climax of his celebrity, and
exercised the mysterious function of Director-General of the Police. He
owed his elevation solely to the Society of Jesus. This occult power,
whose ramifications extended all over France, was mysterious and
tremendous in its workings. No one could expect an