I intend to leave
Paris. We shall first of all go to Italy, my wife and I. After a
while we shall return and install ourselves at Valorsay, like two
turtle-doves. Upon my word, my imagination paints a charming
picture of the calm and happy life we shall lead there! I don't
deserve such good fortune. I must have been born under a lucky
star!"
Had he been less engrossed in his narrative, he would have heard
the sound of a stifled oath in the adjoining room; and had he been
less absorbed in the part he was playing, he would have observed a
cloud on his companion's brow. The baron was a keen observer, and
he had detected a false ring in this apparently vehement outburst
of passion. "I understand it now, my dear marquis," said he; "you
have met the descendant of some illustrious but impoverished
family."
"You are wrong. My future bride has no other name than her
Christian name of Marguerite."
"It is a regular romance then!"
"You are quite right; it is a romance. Were you acquainted with
the Count de Chalusse, who died a few days ago?"
"No; but I have often heard him spoken of."
"Well, it is his daughter whom I am about to marry--his
illegitimate daughter."
The baron started. "Excuse me," said he; "M. de Chalusse was
immensely rich, and he was a bachelor. How does it happen then
that his daughter, even though she be his illegitimate child,
should find herself penniless?"
"A mere chance--a fatality.
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