"Is it necessary for me to tell you that I have property yielding eighty thousand livres rent, at four leagues from Paris? That will suffice, I believe, for that which you call guarantee?" "Yes, madame, by means of a mortgage." "What does that mean again? Some formality, doubtless. Make it, sir, make it." "Such a deed cannot be drawn up under two weeks, and it needs the consent of your husband, madame." "But this is my property, mine--mine alone," said the duchess, impatiently. "No matter, madame; you are in the power of your husband, and a deed of mortgage is very long and very minute." "But once more, sir, you cannot make me believe that it so difficult to procure one hundred thousand francs in two hours." "Then, madame, apply to your own notary, to your steward; with me, it is impossible." "I have reasons, sir, to keep this a secret," said Madame de Lucenay, heartily. "You know the rogues who wish to rob M. de Saint Remy; it is on this account I address myself to you." "Your confidence infinitely honors me, madame; but I cannot do what you ask." "You have not this amount?" "I have much more than this sum in bank bills, or in gold--here--here, in my safe." "Oh, what a waste of words! Is it my signature you wish? I give it you; let us finish." "In admitting, madame, that you are the Duchess of Lucenay." "Come in an hour's time to the Hôtel de Lucenay, sir: I will sign at home what is necessary to be signed." "Will his grace sign also?" "I do not understand you, sir." "Your signature alone is of no value to me, madame." Jacques Ferrand enjoyed with cruel delight the impatience of the duchess, who, under the appearance of _sang froid_ and disdain, concealed the most painful anguish. She was for a moment at the end of her resources. The evening previous, her jeweler had advanced her a considerable sum on her diamonds, some of which were confided to Morel, the artisan. This sum had served to pay the bills of Saint Remy, and disarm other creditors; Dubreul, the farmer at Arnouville, was more than a year in advance, and besides, time was wanting; unfortunately for Madame de Lucenay, two of her friends, to whom she could have had recourse in an extreme situation, were then absent from Paris. In her eyes, the viscount was innocent; he had told her, and she believed it, that he was the dupe of two rogues; but her situation was none the less terrible. He accused, he dragged to prison! Then, even if he should take to flight would his name be any less dishonored by such a suspicion? "Since you possess the sum I ask for, sir, and my guarantee is sufficient, why do you refuse me?" "Because men have their caprices as well as women, madame." "But what is this caprice, which makes you act thus against your interest? for, I repeat to you, make your conditions; whatever they may be, I accept them!" "Your grace will accept all the conditions?" said the notary, with a singular expression.