nt
of law; considering her daughter as good as married, she thought she had
gained her end, and was filled with the joy of success. Thus, as
Mathias had shrewdly calculated, neither Solonet nor Madame Evangelista
understood as yet, to its full extent, this scheme which he had based on
reasons that were undeniable.

"Well, Monsieur Mathias," said the widow, "all is for the best, is it
not?"

"Madame, if you and Monsieur le comte consent to this arrangement
you ought to exchange pledges. It is fully understood, I suppose," he
continued, looking from one to the other, "that the marriage will
only take place on condition of creating an entail upon the estate of
Lanstrac and the house in the rue de la Pepiniere, together with eight
hundred thousand francs in money brought by the future wife, the said
sum to be invested in landed property? Pardon me the repetition, madame;
but a positive and solemn engagement becomes absolutely necessary.
The creation of an entail requires formalities, application to the
chancellor, a royal ordinance, and we ought at once to conclude the
purchase of the new estate in order that the property be included in
the royal ordinance by virtue of which it becomes inalienable. In many
families this would be reduced to writing, but on this occasion I think
a simple consent would suffice. Do you consent?"

"Yes," replied Madame Evangelista.

"Yes," said Paul.

"And I?" asked Natalie, laughing.

"You are a minor, mademoiselle," replied Solonet; "don't complain of
that."

It was then agreed that Maitre Mathias should draw up the contract,
Maitre Solonet the guardianship account and release, and that both
documents should be signed, as the law requires some days before the
celebration of the marriage. After a few polite salutations the notaries
withdrew.

"It rains, Mathias; shall I take you home?" said Solonet. "My cabriolet
is here."

"My carriage is here too," said Paul, manifesting an intention to
accompany the old man.

"I won't rob you of a moment's pleasure," said Mathias. "I accept my
friend Solonet's offer."

"Well," said Achilles to Nestor, as the cabriolet rolled away, "you have
been truly patriarchal to-night. The fact is, those young people would
certainly have ruined themselves."

"I felt anxious about their future," replied Mathias, keeping silent as
to the real motives of his proposition.

At this moment the two notaries were like a pair of actors arm in
arm behind the st