"I've traced the
plan--you must execute it, and keep cool, or the game's lost."
His companion rose proudly. "If it fails, it won't be from any
fault of mine," he answered with unmistakable petulance.
"Lose no time."
"There's no danger of that."
"And understand, that whatever happens, my name is not to be
mentioned."
"Yes, yes."
"If there should be any new revelations, I will inform you."
"At the club?"
"Yes, but don't be uneasy; the affair is as good as concluded."
"I hope so, indeed."
Wilkie gave a sigh of relief as he saw his visitor depart. He
wished to be alone, so as to brood over the delights that the
future had in store for him. He was no longer to be limited to a
paltry allowance of twenty thousand francs! No more debts, no more
ungratified longings. He would have millions at his disposal! He
seemed to see them, to hold them, to feel them gliding in golden
waves between his fingers! What horses he would have! what
carriages! what mistresses! And a gleam of envy that he had
detected in M. de Coralth's eyes put the finishing touch to his
bliss. To be envied by this brilliant viscount, his model and his
ideal, what happiness it was!
The reputation that Madame d'Argeles bore had at first cast a
shadow over his joy; but this shadow had soon vanished. He was
troubled by no foolish prejudices, and personally he cared little
or nothing for his mother's reputation.
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