Her father presented some suitor; she received him graciously, lavished
all her charms upon him; but as soon as his back was turned, she
disappointed all her father's hopes by rejecting him.

"He is too small," she said, "or too large. His rank is not equal to
ours. I think him stupid. He is a fool--his nose is so ugly."

From these summary decisions there was no appeal. Arguments and
persuasions were useless. The condemned man no longer existed.

Still, as this view of aspirants to her hand amused her, she encouraged
her father in his efforts. He was beginning to despair, when fate
dropped the Duc de Sairmeuse and son at his very door. When he saw
Martial, he had a presentiment of his approaching release.

"He will be my son-in-law," he thought.

The marquis believed it best to strike the iron while it was hot. So,
the very next day, he broached the subject to the duke.

His overtures were favorably received.

Possessed with the desire of transforming Sairmeuse into a little
principality, the duke could not fail to be delighted with an alliance
with one of the oldest and wealthiest families in the neighborhood.

The conference was short.

"Martial, my son, possesses, in his own right, an income of at least six
hundred thousand francs," said the duke.

"I shall give my daughter at least--yes, at least fifteen hundred
thousand francs as her marriage portion," declared the marquis.

"His Majesty is favorably disposed toward me. I can obtain any important
diplomatic position for Martial."

"In case of trouble, I have many friends among the opposition."

The treaty was thus concluded; but M. de Courtornieu took good care not
to speak of it to his daughter. If he told her how much he desired
the match, she would be sure to oppose it. Non-interference seemed
advisable.

The correctness of his judgment was fully demonstrated. One morning
Mlle. Blanche made her appearance in his cabinet.

"Your capricious daughter has decided, papa, that she would like to
become the Marquise de Sairmeuse," said she, peremptorily.

It cost M. de Courtornieu quite an effort to conceal his delight; but he
feared if she discovered his satisfaction that the game would be lost.

He presented several objections; they were quickly disposed of; and, at
last, he ventured to say:

"Then the marriage is half decided; one of the parties consents. It only
remains to ascertain if----"

"The other will consent," declared the vain heire