know that the young man was beloved by my brother's daughter--I did not
know--"

The baron interrupted her, and exclaimed, indignantly: "Ah! what does
that matter? It was none the less an abominable action."

She hung her head, and in a scarcely audible voice replied: "I was not
free. I submitted to a will that was stronger than my own. If you had
heard M. de Coralth's threats you would not censure me so severely.
He has discovered my secret; he knows Wilkie--I am in his power. Don't
frown--I make no attempt to excuse myself--I am only explaining the
position in which I was placed. My peril is imminent; I have only
confidence in you--you alone can aid me; listen!"

Thereupon she hastily explained M. de Coralth's position respecting
herself, what she had been able to ascertain concerning the Marquis de
Valorsay's plans, the alarming visit she had received from M. Fortunat,
his advice and insinuations, the dangers she apprehended, and her firm
determination to deliver Mademoiselle Marguerite from the machinations
of her enemies. Madame d'Argeles's disclosures formed, as it were, a
sequel to the confidential revelations of Pascal Ferailleur, and the
involuntary confession of the Marquis de Valorsay; and the baron could
no longer doubt the existence of the shameful intrigue which had been
planned in view of obtaining possession of the count's millions. And
if he did not, at first, understand the motives, he at least began to
discern what means had been employed. He now understood why Valorsay
persisted in his plan of marrying Mademoiselle Marguerite, even without
a fortune. "The wretch knows through Coralth that Madame d'Argeles is
a Chalusse," he said to himself; "and when Mademoiselle Marguerite has
become his wife, he intends to oblige Madame d'Argeles to accept her
brother's estate and share it with him."

At that same moment Madame d'Argeles finished her narrative. "And now,
what shall I do?" she added.

The baron was stroking his chin, as was his usual habit when his mind
was deeply exercised. "The first thing to be done," he replied, "is to
show Coralth in his real colors, and prove M. Ferailleur's innocence.
It will probably cost me a hundred thousand francs to do so, but I shall
not grudge the money. I should probably spend as much or even more in
play next summer; and the amount had better be spent in a good cause
than in swelling the dividends of my friend Blanc, at Baden."

"But M. de Coralth will speak o