"
"How can you think----"
"I don't think, I'm sure of it. As long as I was strong support
for you, you were devoted to me. But now I am tottering, and you
are ready to betray me."
"Excuse me! The step I am about to take----"
"What, haven't you taken it already?" interrupted the marquis,
quickly. And shrugging his shoulders, he added: "Observe that I
don't reproach you in the least. Only remember this: we survive
or we perish together."
By the angry gleam in M. de Coralth's eyes, the marquis must have
realized that his companion was disposed to rebel; still this
knowledge did not seem to disquiet him, for it was in the same icy
tone that he continued: "Besides, your plans, far from conflicting
with mine, will be of service to me. Yes, Madame d'Argeles must
lay claim to the count's estate. If she hesitates, her son will
compel her to urge her claims, will he not?"
"Oh, you may rest assured of that."
"And when he becomes rich, will you be able to retain your
influence over him?"
"Rich or poor, I can mould him like wax."
"Very good. Marguerite was escaping me, but I shall soon have her
in my power. I have a plan. The Fondeges think they can outwit
me, but we shall soon see about that." The viscount was watching
his companion stealthily; as the latter perceived, and so in a
tone of brusque cordiality, he resumed: "Excuse me for not keeping
you to breakfast, but I must go out immediately--Baron Trigault is
waiting for me at his house.
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