nay, a good deal agitated, walked slowly towards the
notary's bureau, who advanced a few paces to meet her.

"Who are you, madame; and what may be your business with me?" said
Jacques Ferrand, abruptly; for Sarah's menaces and M. Charles Robert's
suspicions had a good deal ruffled him. Moreover, the duchess was clad
so simply, that the notary did not see any reason why he should not be
rude. As she did not immediately reply, he continued, abruptly:

"Will you be so kind as to inform me, madame?"

"Sir," she said, in a faltering voice, and endeavouring to conceal her
face in the folds of her veil, "Sir, may I entrust you with a secret of
extreme importance?"

"You may trust me with anything, madame. But it is requisite that I
should know and see to whom I speak."

"That, sir, perhaps, is not necessary. I know that you are probity and
honour itself--"

"To the point, madame,--to the point. I have some one waiting for me.
Who are you?"

"My name is of no consequence, sir. One--of--my friends,--a
relative,--has just left you."

"His name?"

"M. Florestan de Saint-Remy."

"Ah!" said the notary; and he cast a scrutinising and steadfast glance
on the duchess. Then he added, "Well, madame?"

"M. de Saint-Remy has told me--all,--sir!"

"What has he told you, madame?"

"All!"

"What all?"

"Sir; you know--"

"I know many things about M. de Saint-Remy."

"Alas, sir, this is a terrible thing!"

"I know many terrible things about M. de Saint-Remy."

"Oh, sir, he was right when he told me that you were pitiless."

"For swindlers and forgers like him,--yes, I am pitiless. So this
Saint-Remy is a relative of yours? Instead of owning it, you ought to
blush at it. Do you mean to try and soften me with your tears? It is
useless,--not to add that you have undertaken a very disgraceful task
for a respectable female."

At this coarse insolence the pride and patrician blood of the duchess
revolted. She drew herself up, threw back her veil; and then, with a
lofty air, imperious glance, and firm voice, said:

"I am the Duchess de Lucenay, sir!"

The lady then assumed the lofty look of her station; and her appearance
was so imposing that the notary, controlled, fascinated, receded a pace,
quite overcome, took off mechanically the black silk cap that covered
his cranium, and made a low bow.

In truth, nothing could be more charming and aristocratic than the face
and figure of Madame de Lucenay, although she was tu