Their interview was long and mysterious. The servants at the hôtel d'Ancourt, who were exceedingly puzzled by such a conference between their haughty mistress and a man dressed like a peasant, heard the baroness's shrill tones, then the rustic voice in labored and emphatic declamation--a dispute, in short, with intervals of raillery or merriment; for at times the baroness laughed until the windows shook. An hour later the baroness hurried to Madame d'Estrelle. "My dear," she said in great excitement, "I bring you five millions or poverty; choose." "Ah! an old husband, I suppose?" said Julie; "you cling to your idea, do you?" "A very old husband; but five millions!" "With a great name, of course?" "Not the faintest shadow of a name! a downright plebeian; but five millions, Julie!" "An honorable man, at all events?" "He is so considered. Have you decided?" "Yes, I refuse. Wouldn't you do as much? Would you think well of me if I should accept?" "I said just what you say: I sent my man about his business, I laughed at him. He replied obstinately; 'Five millions, madame, five millions!'" "And he must have convinced you, since you are here?" "Convinced or not, I was surprised, dazzled. I said, like the queen: 'You persuade me strongly!'" "Then you advise me to say yes?" "Don't say yes, say _perhaps_; then you can reflect and I will reflect for you; for at this moment my brain is a little confused: those millions intoxicated me. What would you have? The man is old, and before long you will be free and people will have done crying out against the misalliance; besides, everybody knows that your own descent is not very distinguished. You will open a salon which will eclipse all Paris, and where all Paris will trample upon itself to take part in your entertainments; for, when all is said, all Paris has only one thing in its head, which is to be amused and to go where people are amused. You will give balls, concerts and theatricals; you will have artists, fine singers and fine talkers; in a word, bright people to stir up and amuse the people of quality, who are not bright. Ah! if I had millions--if I had just two--I should know what to do with them! Come, don't think I am mad, and don't be cowardly. Accept the plebeian and opulence." "And what about the husband's old age?" "An additional reason!" Julie was indignant, Amélie was offended; they had a falling-out. Madame d'Ancourt had not mentioned the suitor's name--it had not occurred to Julie to inquire. She placed the matter in Marcel's hands, desiring that her refusal should be placed beyond question. She was afraid that her impulsive friend, in her anger, would compromise her by giving her protégé some reason to hope. Marcel went to Madame d'Ancourt to learn the name of the man with the five millions. "Ah! she thinks better of it, does she?" cried the baroness. "No, madame, quite the reverse."