elu was closely connected with his own,
that they were part and parcel of the same dark plot, and that these
bills with their forged acceptance had more to do with him than he had
ever imagined. How it was that he and Gaston could be connected he could
not for a moment guess; yet now he would have cheerfully sworn that
such was the case. Who was it that had informed the father of the son's
conduct? Why, Catenac. Who had advised that proceedings should be taken
against Rose, _alias_ Zora? Why, Catenac again; and this same man, in
addition to acting for Gandelu, it seems, was also the confidential
solicitor of the Marquis de Croisenois and Verminet. Perhaps he had only
obeyed their instructions. All this was very vague and unsatisfactory,
but it might be something to go upon, and who could say what conclusion
careful inquiry might not lead him to? and Andre determined to carry on
his investigations, and endeavor to find the hidden links that connected
this chain of rascality together. He had taken up a pencil with the view
of making a few notes, when he heard a knock at his door. He glanced at
the clock; it was not yet nine.

"Come in," cried he as he rose.

The door was thrown open, and the young artist started as he recognized
in his early visitor the father of Sabine. It was after a sleepless
night that the Count had decided to take the present step. He was
terribly agitated, but had had time to prepare himself for this
all-important interview.

"You will, I trust, pardon me, sir," said he, "for making such an early
call upon you, but I thought that I should be sure to find you at this
hour, and much wanted to see you."

Andre bowed.

In the space of one brief instant a thousand suppositions, each one more
unlikely than the other, coursed through his brain. Why had the Count
called? Who could have given him his address? And was the visit friendly
or hostile?

"I am a great admirer of paintings," began the Count, "and one of my
friends upon whose taste I can rely has spoken to me in the warmest
terms of your talent. This I trust will explain the liberty I have
taken. Curiosity drove me to----"

He paused for a moment, and then added,--

"My name is the Marquis de Bevron."

The concealment of the Count's real name showed Andre that the visit was
not entirely a friendly one, and Andre replied,--

"I am only too pleased to receive your visit. Unfortunately just now I
have nothing ready, only a few rough sketch