Goodness is all very well in
its way, but there is such a thing as having too much of it! Break
loose from this life to-morrow, assume your rightful name, install
yourself at the Hotel de Chalusse, and in a week from now no one
will remember that you were once known as Lia d'Argeles. I wager
one hundred louis on it. Why, if people attempted to rake up the
past life of their acquaintances, they should have far too much to
do. Folks do not trouble themselves as to whether a person has
done this or that; the essential thing is to have plenty of money.
And if any fool speaks slightingly of you, you can reply: 'I have
an income of five hundred thousand francs,' and he'll say no
more."
Madame d'Argeles listened, speechless with horror and disgust.
Was it really her son who was speaking in this style, and to her
of all people in the world? M. Wilkie misunderstood her silence.
He had an excellent opinion of himself, but he was rather
surprised at the effect of his eloquence. "Besides, I'm tired of
vegetating, and having only one name," he continued. "I want to
be on the move. Even with the small allowance I've had, I have
gained a very good position in society; and if I had plenty of
money I should be the most stylish man in Paris. The count's
estate belongs to me, and so I must have it--in fact, I will have
it. So believe me when I tell you that it will be much better for
you if you acknowledge me without any fuss! Now, will you do so?
No? Once, twice, three times? Is it still no? Very well then; to-
morrow, then, you may expect an official notice.
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