VII.

It was not enough to tell M. Wilkie the secret of his birth. He must
be taught how to utilize the knowledge. The Viscount de Coralth
devoted himself to this task, and burdened Wilkie with such a host of
injunctions, that it was quite evident he had but a poor opinion of his
pupil's sagacity. "That woman d'Argeles," he thought, "is as sharp as
steel. She will deceive this young idiot completely, if I don't warn
him."

So he did warn him; and Wilkie was instructed exactly what to do and
say, how to answer any questions, and what position to take up according
to circumstances. Moreover, he was especially enjoined to distrust
tears, and not to let himself be put out of countenance by haughty airs.
The Viscount spent at least an hour in giving explanations and advice,
to the great disgust of M. Wilkie, who, feeling that he was being
treated like a child, somewhat testily declared that he was no fool, and
that he knew how to take care of himself as well as any one else. Still,
this did not prevent M. de Coralth from persisting in his instructions
until he was persuaded that he had prepared his pupil for all possible
emergencies. He then rose to depart. "That's all, I think," he remarked,
with a shade of uneasiness. "I've traced the plan--you must execute it,
and keep cool, or the game's lost."

His companion rose proudly. "If it fails, it won't be from any fault of
mine," he answered with unmistakable petulance.

"Lose no time."

"There's no danger of that."

"And understand, that whatever happens, my name is not to be mentioned."

"Yes, yes."

"If there should be any new revelations, I will inform you."

"At the club?"

"Yes, but don't be uneasy; the affair is as good as concluded."

"I hope so, indeed."

Wilkie gave a sigh of relief as he saw his visitor depart. He wished to
be alone, so as to brood over the delights that the future had in store
for him. He was no longer to be limited to a paltry allowance of twenty
thousand francs! No more debts, no more ungratified longings. He would
have millions at his disposal! He seemed to see them, to hold them, to
feel them gliding in golden waves between his fingers! What horses he
would have! what carriages! what mistresses! And a gleam of envy that
he had detected in M. de Coralth's eyes put the finishing touch to his
bliss. To be envied by this brilliant viscount, his model and his ideal,
what happiness it was!

The reputation that Madame d'Arg