This surprises you, does it not? Very well! listen to me.
Deceived by the Marquis de Valorsay, the Count de Chalusse had
promised him your hand. These arrangements were nearly completed,
though you had not been informed of them. In fact, everything had
been decided. At the outset, however, a grave difficulty had
presented itself. The marquis wished your father to acknowledge
you before your marriage, but this he refused to do. 'It would
expose me to the most frightful dangers,' he declared. 'However,
I will recognize Marguerite as my daughter in my will, and, at the
same time, leave all my property to her.' But the marquis would
not listen to this proposal. 'I don't doubt your good intentions,
my dear count,' said he,' but suppose this will should be
contested, your property might pass into other hands.' This
difficulty put a stop to the proceedings for some time. The
marquis asked for guarantees; the other refused to give them--
until, at last, M. de Chalusse discovered an expedient which would
satisfy both parties. He confided to M. de Valorsay's keeping a
will in which he recognized you as his daughter, and bequeathed
you his entire fortune. This document, the validity of which is
unquestionable, has been carefully preserved by the marquis. He
has not spoken of its existence; and he would destroy it rather
than restore it to you at present.
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