Every quarter-day a very considerable allowance was
promptly paid him, and, in great emergencies, he could apply to
Mr. Patterson, who always sent a favorable answer if not drawn
upon too heavily. Yes, he sighed for that time! Ah! if he had
only then realized how fortunate he was! Had he not been one of
the most opulent members of the society in which he moved? Had he
not been flattered and admired more than any of his companions?
Had he not found the most exquisite happiness in his part
ownership of Pompier de Nanterre!
Now, what remained? Nothing, save anxiety concerning the future,
and all sorts of uncertainties and terrors! What a mistake! What a
blunder he had made! Ah! if he could only begin again. He
sincerely wished that the great adversary of mankind had the
Viscount de Coralth in his clutches. For, in his despair, it was
the once dear viscount that he blamed, accused, and cursed.
He was in this ungrateful frame of mind when a loud, almost
savage, ring came at his door. As his servant slept in an attic
upstairs, Wilkie was quite alone in his rooms, so he took the lamp
and went to open the door himself. At this hour of the night, the
visitor could only be M. Costard or the Viscount de Serpillon, or
perhaps both of them. "They have heard that I was looking for
them, and so they have hastened here," he thought.
But he was mistaken.
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