And if he did not, at first, understand the motives, he at least
began to discern what means had been employed. He now understood
why Valorsay persisted in his plan of marrying Mademoiselle
Marguerite, even without a fortune. "The wretch knows through
Coralth that Madame d'Argeles is a Chalusse," he said to himself;
"and when Mademoiselle Marguerite has become his wife, he intends
to oblige Madame d'Argeles to accept her brother's estate and
share it with him."
At that same moment Madame d'Argeles finished her narrative. "And
now, what shall I do?" she added.
The baron was stroking his chin, as was his usual habit when his
mind was deeply exercised. "The first thing to be done," he
replied, "is to show Coralth in his real colors, and prove M.
Ferailleur's innocence. It will probably cost me a hundred
thousand francs to do so, but I shall not grudge the money. I
should probably spend as much or even more in play next summer;
and the amount had better be spent in a good cause than in
swelling the dividends of my friend Blanc, at Baden."
"But M. de Coralth will speak out as soon as he finds that I have
revealed his shameful past."
"Let him speak."
Madame d'Argeles shuddered. "Then the name of Chalusse will be
disgraced," said she; "and Wilkie will know who his mother is."
"No."
"But----"
"Ah! allow me to finish, my dear friend.
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