unt de Lambert Sarrazin had
furnished Du Roy with material for ten articles on the Algerian colony.
"La Vie Francaise" had gained considerable prestige by its connection
with the power; it was the first to give political news, and every
newspaper in Paris and the provinces sought information from it. It was
quoted, feared, and began to be respected: it was no longer the organ
of a group of political intriguers, but the avowed mouthpiece of the
cabinet. Laroche-Mathieu was the soul of the journal and Du Roy his
speaking-trumpet. M. Walter retired discreetly into the background.
Madeleine's salon became an influential center in which several members
of the cabinet met every week. The president of the council had even
dined there twice; the minister of foreign affairs was quite at home at
the Du Roys; he came at any hour, bringing dispatches or information,
which he dictated either to the husband or wife as if they were his
secretaries. After the minister had departed, when Du Roy was alone
with Madeleine, he uttered threats and insinuations against the
"parvenu," as he called him. His wife simply shrugged her shoulders
scornfully, repeating: "Become a minister and you can do the same;
until then, be silent."

His reply was: "No one knows of what I am capable; perhaps they will
find out some day."

She answered philosophically: "He who lives will see."

The morning of the reopening of the Chamber, Du Roy lunched with
Laroche-Mathieu in order to receive instructions from him, before the
session, for a political article the following day in "La Vie
Francaise," which was to be a sort of official declaration of the plans
of the cabinet. After listening to Laroche-Mathieu's eloquence for some
time with jealousy in his heart, Du Roy sauntered slowly toward the
office to commence his work, for he had nothing to do until four
o'clock, at which hour he was to meet Mme. de Marelle at Rue de
Constantinople. They met there regularly twice a week, Mondays and
Wednesdays.

On entering the office, he was handed a sealed dispatch; it was from
Mme. Walter, and read thus:

"It is absolutely necessary that I should see you to-day. It is
important. Expect me at two o'clock at Rue de Constantinople. I
can render you a great service; your friend until death,"

"VIRGINIE."

He exclaimed: "Heavens! what a bore!" and left the office at once, too
much annoyed to work.

For six weeks he had ineffectually tried to break w