The
weapons he had to use were not at all to his taste, but he had not
been allowed a choice in the matter; and since his enemies had
decided on a warfare of duplicity, he was resolved to surpass them
in cunning, and vanquish them by deception.
So, while hastening to the Marquis de Valorsay's residence, he
took stock of his chances, and recapitulated his resources,
striving to foresee and remember everything. Thus if he failed--
for he admitted the possibility of defeat, without believing in
it--he would have no cause to reproach himself. Only fools find
consolation in saying: "Who could have foreseen that?" Great minds
do foresee. And Pascal felt almost certain that he was fully
prepared for any emergency.
That morning, before leaving home, he had dressed with extreme
care, realizing that the shabby clothes he had worn on his first
visit to the Trigault mansion would not be appropriate on such an
occasion as this. The baron's agent could scarcely have a
poverty-stricken appearance, for contact with millionaires is
supposed to procure wealth as surely as proximity to fire insures
warmth. So he arrayed himself in a suit of black, which was
neither too elegant nor too much worn, and donned a broad white
necktie. He could see only one immediate, decisive chance against
him. M. de Valorsay might possibly recognize him. He thought
not, but he was not sure; and anxious on this account, he at first
decided to disguise himself.
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