u, then, madam. He has done with that silly whim! A priest,
indeed! I am Catholic, and priests do not marry. He goes to Paris to
study art. I see a great future for him, in art."

Frances stared at him, and then sat down, dully. What did it matter?
Paris or Oxford? She would not be there. What did it matter?

Lisa waited a moment for some comment, and then began sharply, "Now, we
come to affaires! Listen, if you please. I am a woman of business.
Plain speaking is always best, to my idea."

Mrs. Waldeaux drew herself together and turned her eyes on her with
sudden apprehension, as she would on a snapping dog. The woman's tones
threatened attack.

"To live in Paris, to work effectively, your son must have money. I
brought him no dot, alas! Except"--with a burlesque courtesy--"my
beauty and my blood. I must know how much money we shall have before I
design the menage."

"George has his income," said his mother hastily.

"Ah! You are alarmed, madam! You do not like plain words about the
affaires? George tells me that although he is long ago of age, he has
as yet received no portion of his father's estates."

"Lisa! You do not understand! Mother, I did not complain. You have
always given me my share of the income from the property. I have no
doubt it was a fair share--as much as if my father had left me my
portion, according to custom."

"Yes, it was a fair share," said Frances.

"Ah! you smile, madam!" interrupted Lisa. "I am told it is a vast
property, a grand chateau--many securities! M. Waldeaux pere made a
will, on dit, incredibly foolish, with no mention of his son. But now
that this son comes to marry, to become the head of the house, if you
were a French mother, if you were just, you would---- You appear to be
amused, madam?"

For Mrs. Waldeaux was laughing. She could not speak for a moment. The
tears stood in her eyes.

"The matter has somewhat of droll to you?"

"It has its humorous side," said Frances. "I quite understand, George,
that you will need more money to support a wife. I will double your
allowance. It shall be paid quarterly."

"You would prefer to do that?" hesitated George. "Rather than to make
over a son's share of the property to me absolutely? Some of the
landed estate or securities? I have probably a shrewder business
talent than yours, and if I had control could make my property more
profitable."

"I should prefer to pay your income as before--