"
"But it is understood that you will help him, is it not?"
M. de Valorsay reflected for a little, and then, addressing M.
Wilkie, replied: "Yes, I consent to assist you, monsieur. First,
because your cause seems to me just, and, also, because you are M.
de Coralth's friend. I promise you my aid on one condition--that
you will follow my advice implicitly."
The interesting young man lifted his hand, and, by dint of a
powerful effort, he succeeded in articulating: "Anything you
wish!--upon my sacred word!"
"You must understand that when I engage in an enterprise, it must
not fail. The eye of the public is upon me, and I have my
PRESTIGE to maintain. I have given you a great mark of
confidence, for in lending you my influence I become, in some
measure at least, your sponsor. But I cannot accept this great
responsibility unless I am allowed absolute control of the
affair."
"And I think that we ought to begin operations this very day. The
main thing is to circumvent your father, the terrible man with
whom your mother has threatened you."
"Ah! but how?"
"I shall dress at once and go to the Hotel de Chalusse, in order
to ascertain what has occurred there. You on your side must
hasten to Madame d'Argeles and request her politely, but firmly,
to furnish you with the necessary proofs to assert your rights.
If she consents, well and good! If she refuses, we will consult
some lawyer as to the next step.
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