Brouage,--and holds in reserve a vigorous end, the resolution
becomes a lever which strengthens its immediate way. The thought of this
finale in case of failure comforted Madame Evangelista, who fell asleep
with all the more confidence as she remembered her assistance in the
coming duel.

This was a young man named Solonet, considered the ablest notary in
Bordeaux; now twenty-seven years of age and decorated with the Legion
of honor for having actively contributed to the second return of
the Bourbons. Proud and happy to be received in the home of Madame
Evangelista, less as a notary than as belonging to the royalist society
of Bordeaux, Solonet had conceived for that fine setting sun one of
those passions which women like Madame Evangelista repulse, although
flattered and graciously allowing them to exist upon the surface.
Solonet remained therefore in a self-satisfied condition of hope and
becoming respect. Being sent for, he arrived the next morning with the
promptitude of a slave and was received by the coquettish widow in
her bedroom, where she allowed him to find her in a very becoming
dishabille.

"Can I," she said, "count upon your discretion and your entire devotion
in a discussion which will take place in my house this evening? You will
readily understand that it relates to the marriage of my daughter."

The young man expended himself in gallant protestations.

"Now to the point," she said.

"I am listening," he replied, checking his ardor.

Madame Evangelista then stated her position baldly.

"My dear lady, that is nothing to be troubled about," said Maitre
Solonet, assuming a confident air as soon as his client had given him
the exact figures. "The question is how have you conducted yourself
toward Monsieur de Manerville? In this matter questions of manner and
deportment are of greater importance than those of law and finance."

Madame Evangelista wrapped herself in dignity. The notary learned to
his satisfaction that until the present moment his client's relations
to Paul had been distant and reserved, and that partly from native pride
and partly from involuntary shrewdness she had treated the Comte de
Manerville as in some sense her inferior and as though it were an honor
for him to be allowed to marry Mademoiselle Evangelista. She assured
Solonet that neither she nor her daughter could be suspected of any
mercenary interests in the marriage; that they had the right, should
Paul make any financial