"Let us see, little one! Only try on your coronet before your cousin." "I should like to see it on your brow," said Camors. "Your slightest wishes are commands," replied Charlotte, in a voice harmonious and grave, but not untouched with irony. In the midst of the jewelry which encumbered the salon was a full marquise's coronet set in precious stones and pearls. The young girl adjusted it on her head before the glass, and then stood near Camors with majestic composure. "Look!" she said; and he gazed at her bewildered, for she looked wonderfully beautiful and proud under her coronet. Suddenly she darted a glance full into the eyes of the young man, and lowering her voice to a tone of inexpressible bitterness, said: "At least I sell myself dearly, do I not?" Then turning her back to him she laughed, and took off her coronet. After some further conversation Camors left, saying to himself that this adorable person promised to become very dangerous; but not admitting that he might profit by it. In conformity with his promise he returned immediately to the General, who continued to pace the three rooms, and cried out as he saw him: "Eh, well?" "Very well indeed, General, perfect--everything goes well." "You have seen her?" "Yes, certainly." "And she said to you--" "Not much; but she seemed enchanted." "Seriously, you did not remark anything strange?" "I remarked she was very lovely!" "Parbleu! and you think she loves me a little?" "Assuredly, after her way--as much as she can love, for she has naturally a very cold disposition." "Ah! as to that I console myself. All that I demand is not to be disagreeable to her. Is it not so? Very well, you give me great pleasure. Now, go where you please, my dear boy, until this evening." "Adieu until this evening, General!" The signing of the contract was marked by no special incident; only when the notary, with a low, modest voice read the clause by which the General made Mademoiselle d'Estrelles heiress to all his fortune, Camors was amused to remark the superb indifference of Mademoiselle Charlotte, the smiling exasperation of Mesdames Bacquiere and Van-Cuyp, and the amorous regard which Madame de la Roche-Jugan threw at the same time on Charlotte, her son, and the notary. Then the eye of the Countess rested with a lively interest on the General, and seemed to say that it detected with pleasure in him an unhealthy appearance. The next morning, on leaving the Church of St. Thomas daikon, the young Marquise only exchanged her wedding-gown for a travelling-costume, and departed with her husband for Campvallon, bathed in the tears of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, whose lacrimal glands were remarkably tender. Eight days later M. de Camors returned to Reuilly. Paris had revived him, his nerves were strong again.