nse when he heard that
Lia d'Argeles was a Chalusse, but he knew how to maintain his composure.
He listened quietly, and when the viscount had completed his story, he
asked: "Why did you wait so long before telling me all this?"

"I didn't see how it could interest you in the least."

The marquis looked at him keenly, and then calmly said: "In other words,
you were waiting to see whether it would be most advantageous to you to
be with me or against me."

"How can you think----"

"I don't think, I'm sure of it. As long as I was strong support for you,
you were devoted to me. But now I am tottering, and you are ready to
betray me."

"Excuse me! The step I am about to take----"

"What, haven't you taken it already?" interrupted the marquis, quickly.
And shrugging his shoulders, he added: "Observe that I don't reproach
you in the least. Only remember this: we survive or we perish together."

By the angry gleam in M. de Coralth's eyes, the marquis must have
realized that his companion was disposed to rebel; still this knowledge
did not seem to disquiet him, for it was in the same icy tone that he
continued: "Besides, your plans, far from conflicting with mine, will
be of service to me. Yes, Madame d'Argeles must lay claim to the count's
estate. If she hesitates, her son will compel her to urge her claims,
will he not?"

"Oh, you may rest assured of that."

"And when he becomes rich, will you be able to retain your influence
over him?"

"Rich or poor, I can mould him like wax."

"Very good. Marguerite was escaping me, but I shall soon have her in
my power. I have a plan. The Fondeges think they can outwit me, but
we shall soon see about that." The viscount was watching his companion
stealthily; as the latter perceived, and so in a tone of brusque
cordiality, he resumed: "Excuse me for not keeping you to breakfast,
but I must go out immediately--Baron Trigault is waiting for me at his
house. Let us part friends--au revoir--and, above all, keep me well
posted about matters in general."

M. de Coralth's temper was already somewhat ruffled when he entered
Valorsay's house; and he was in a furious passion when he left it.
"So we are to survive or perish together," he growled. "Thanks for the
preference you display for my society. Is it my fault that the fool
has squandered his fortune? I fancy I've had enough of his threats and
airs."

Still his wrath was not so violent as to make him forget his own
interests. He