It is a fact that a revelation which would undoubtedly have filled any one else with the wildest joy had only aroused a feeling of painful resentment in Louis Richard's breast. The deception his father had practised upon him wounded him deeply, but bitterer still was the thought that, but for Mariette's cruel desertion, he might have shared this wealth with her some day, and changed the laborious, squalid life the young girl had always led into one of ease and luxury. This reflection, reviving as it did such poignant regrets, dominated him so completely that, forgetting everything else, he drew out the visiting card the commandant had left for him, and demanded, abruptly: "Will you tell me how it happens that Mlle. Moreau's name and address are written in pencil on the back of this card?" "What!" exclaimed the commandant, amazed at the question, especially at such a moment. "You wish to know--" "How it happens that Mlle. Moreau's address is on this card. When I ask a question, I expect to have it answered." "The devil! My young friend, you are trying to carry things with a high hand, it strikes me." "You are at perfect liberty to take offence at my manner, if you choose." "Really, monsieur!" exclaimed the usurer, straightening himself up and twirling his black moustache quite ferociously. Then, with a sudden change of manner, he added: "Oh, nonsense! I have proved my valour beyond all question. An old soldier, with any number of wounds, I can afford to let many things pass; so I will merely say, my dear client, that that young girl's name and address happen to be on the card because I wrote them there so I would not forget them." "You know Mlle. Mariette, then?" "I do." "You are paying court to her, perhaps?" "Rather." "With hopes of success?" "Decidedly." "Very well, I forbid you ever to set foot in her house again." "Ah, ha! so I have a rival," the usurer said to himself. "How funny! I understand the girl's refusal now. I must get ahead of my client, though. He is young and unsophisticated,--that means he is jealous. He will be sure to fall into the trap, then I can oust him, for I've set my heart on the girl, and if I can't get her this young fellow sha'n't. I'm resolved upon that!" After which, he added aloud: "My dear friend, when I am forbidden to do anything, I consider it my bounden duty to do precisely what I am forbidden to do." "We will see about that, monsieur." "Listen, young man. I have fought fifty-seven duels, so I can easily dispense with fighting the fifty-eighth with you. I prefer, consequently, to try to induce you to listen to the voice of reason, if possible. Permit me, therefore, to ask you one question: You have just returned from a journey, I believe?" "Yes, monsieur." "You were absent several days, I think. May I ask if you have seen Mariette since your return?" "No, monsieur, but--"