"
It is true that M. de Coralth had promised him all this, without a
word of explanation; but what did that matter? Should he doubt his
friend's word? Never! The viscount was not merely his model, but
his oracle as well. By the way in which he spoke of him, it might
have been supposed that they had been friends from their
childhood, or, at least, that they had known each other for years.
Such was not the case, however. Their acquaintance dated only
seven or eight months back, and their first meeting had apparently
been the result of chance; though it is needless to say, perhaps,
that this chance had been carefully prepared by M. de Coralth.
Having discovered Madame Lia d'Argeles's secret, the viscount
watched Wilkie, ascertained where he spent his evenings, contrived
a way of introducing himself into his society, and on their third
meeting was skilful enough to render him a service--in other
words, to lend him some money. From that moment the conquest was
assured; for M. de Coralth possessed in an eminent degree all the
attributes that were likely to dazzle and charm the gifted owner
of Pompier de Nanterre. First of all, there was his title, then
his impudent assurance and his apparent wealth, and last, but by
no means least, his numerous and fashionable acquaintances. He
was not long in discovering his advantage, and in profiting by it.
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