And whom will all this notoriety
fall upon? Upon you, my dear sir; and as your millions will lend
an additional charm to the romance, you will become the lion of
the season."
M. Wilkie was really too much overwhelmed to feel elated. "Upon
my word, you overpower me, my dear marquis--you quite overpower
me," he stammered.
"I too have been at work," resumed the marquis. "And I have made
numerous inquiries, in accordance with my promise. I almost
regret it, for what I have discovered is--very singular, to say
the least. I was just saying so to Coralth when you came in.
What I have learned makes it extremely unpleasant for me, to find
myself mixed up in the affair; accordingly, I have requested the
persons who gave me this information to call here. You shall hear
their story, and then you must decide for yourself." So saying, he
rang the bell, and as soon as a servant answered the summons, he
exclaimed: "Show M. Casimir in."
When the lackey had retired to carry out this order, the marquis
remarked: "Casimir was the deceased count's valet. He is a clever
fellow, honest, intelligent, and well up in his business--such a
man as you will need, in fact, and I won't try to conceal the fact
that the hope of entering your service has aided considerably in
unloosening his tongue."
M. Casimir, who was irreproachably clad in black, with a white
cambric tie round his neck, entered the room at this very moment,
smiling and bowing obsequiously.
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