He thought that reflection would cure me of my folly.
Unfortunately, he was not acquainted with the fatal obstinacy
which is the distinguishing characteristic of the Chalusse family.
While I was wondering how I could find the means of carrying the
plans I had formed for you into execution, two of the baron's
acquaintances presented themselves, with the following proposal:
Aware of the enormous profits derived by clandestine gambling
dens, they had conceived the project of opening a public
establishment on a large scale, where any Parisian or foreigner,
if he seemed to be a gentleman, and possessed of means, would find
no difficulty in obtaining admission. By taking certain
precautions, and by establishing this gambling den in a private
drawing-room, they believed the scheme practicable, and came to
suggest that I should keep the drawing-room in question, and be
their partner in the enterprise. Scarcely knowing what I pledged
myself to, I accepted their offer, influenced--I should rather say
decided--by the exalted positions which both these gentlemen
occupied, by the public consideration they enjoyed, and the
honored names they bore. And that same week this house was rented
and furnished, and I was installed in it under the name of Lia
d'Argeles.
"But this was not all. There still remained the task of creating
for myself one of those scandalous reputations that attract public
attention.
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