"I have the honour to say,—great lady," continues Boucherat spasmodically, "that I have known you from a child. I have always obeyed you, blindly, as was my duty and my pleasure. I have obeyed you now, madame," and he utters a sound between a snort and a groan. "I have at your command drawn up these deeds, as you bade me. But," and he again stops, blows his nose violently, and makes a hideous grimace, "I cannot allow your highness to sign these deeds and contracts without presuming to ask you if you have fully considered their import." Here such a succession of twitches and spasmodic contortions passes over his countenance, that he is scarcely human. "I have well considered what I am doing, Boucherat," replies Mademoiselle loftily, advancing to the table and taking a pen in her hand. Lauzun, no longer laughing, stands contemplating Boucherat, with a savage expression. "Your highness—permit me," pursues the notary, not seeing him. "Is it to be an _entire_ donation of the princedom of Dombes, the county of Eu, the dukedom of——" "Yes, yes, Boucherat, an entire donation," replies Mademoiselle, interrupting him. She dips the pen into the ink and prepares to sign. "An _entire_ donation, madame?" gasps Boucherat, rising noisily to his feet, then re-seating himself, and repeating this several times in his excitement. "Let me caution your highness——" Another snort and a succession of loud coughs silence him. "This good man will certainly have a fit," says Mademoiselle half aloud. "What can I do with him? Do not agitate yourself, Boucherat," and she turns towards him. She well knows his great fidelity and attachment to herself. "Have no fear. I know what I am about. I shall never be more mistress of my fortune than when I give it to this gentleman." She turns round and glances fondly at Lauzun, who is standing behind her. She starts back at the furious expression on his face. He looks diabolical. His eyes are fixed on Boucherat. The pen drops from her hand. "Believe me, madame, I—I have reason for my caution"; and again all human expression passes from the face of the notary in a succession of the most violent winks. "How, villain! what do you mean?" cries Lauzun, advancing. "I shall break my cane on your back presently." Boucherat rises, looks for a moment at Lauzun, then at Mademoiselle, shakes his head, readjusts his wig, and reseats himself. Mademoiselle had taken the pen—which Lauzun presents to her this time—again in her hand. "Ah, your highness," groans Boucherat, "I have done my duty. God help and guard you!" "Are these deeds as I commanded them, Boucherat?" "Yes, madame; they are a donation, an _entire_ donation, of the princedom of Dombes, the——" "Be silent, scoundrel!" roars Lauzun, "or by heaven I will split your head open." Boucherat shudders; his eyes seem to turn in his head; a look of horror is on his face. Mademoiselle draws the parchment towards her.