"How
the Marquis de Valorsay has kept his head above water is a wonder
to me," he continued. "His creditors have been threatening to sue
him for more than six months. How he has been able to keep them
quiet since M. de Chalusse's death, I cannot understand. However,
this much is certain, mademoiselle: the marquis has not renounced
his intention of becoming your husband; and to attain that object
he won't hesitate to employ any means that may promise to prove
effectual."
Completely mistress of herself, Mademoiselle Marguerite listened
with an impassive face. "I know all this," she replied, in a
frigid tone.
"What! you know----"
"Yes; but there is one thing that baffles my powers of
comprehension. My dowry was the only temptation to M. de
Valorsay, was it not? Why does he still wish to marry me, now that
I have no fortune?"
M. Fortunat had gradually lost all his advantage. "I have asked
myself the same question," he replied, "and I think I have found
an answer. I believe that the marquis has in his possession a
letter, or a will, or a document of some sort, written by M. de
Chalusse--in fact an instrument in which the count acknowledges
you as his daughter, and which consequently establishes; your
right to his property."
"And the marquis could urge this claim if he became my husband?"
"Certainly he could."
M.
Pages:
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273