She expressed herself in a tone of such ardent conviction, that the old gentleman was quite astonished, little dreaming that it was not to him that this energetic denial was addressed. “My destiny is irrevocably fixed,” added Mlle. Gilberte. “When I marry, I will consult the inspirations of my heart only.” In the mean time, it was a veritable conspiracy against her. M. Favoral had succeeded in interesting in the success of his designs his habitual guests, not M. and Mme. Desclavettes, who had been seduced from the first, but M. Chapelain and old Desormeaux himself. So that they all vied with each other in their efforts to bring the “dear child” to reason, and to enlighten her with their counsels. “Father must have a still more considerable interest in this alliance than he has allowed us to think,” she remarked to her brother. Maxence was also absolutely of the same opinion. “And then,” he added, “our father must be terribly rich; for, do not deceive yourself, it isn’t solely for your pretty blue eyes that this Costeclar persists in coming here twice a week to pocket a new mortification. What enormous dowry can he be hoping for? I am going to speak to him myself, and try to find out what he is after.” But Mlle. Gilberte had but slight confidence in her brother’s diplomacy. “I beg of you,” she said, “don’t meddle with that business!” “Yes, yes, I will! Fear nothing, I’ll be prudent.” Having taken his resolution, Maxence placed himself on the lookout; and the very next day, as M. Costeclar was stepping out of his carriage at the door, he walked straight up to him. “I wish to speak to you, sir,” he said. Self-possessed as he was, the brilliant financier succeeded but poorly in concealing a surprise that looked very much like fright. “I am going in to call on your parents, sir,” he replied; “and whilst waiting for your father, with whom I have an appointment, I shall be at your command.” “No, no!” interrupted Maxence. “What I have to say must be heard by you alone. Come along this way, and we shall not be interrupted.” And he led M. Costeclar away as far as the Place Royal. Once there, “You are very anxious to marry my sister, sir,” he commenced. During their short walk M. Costeclar had recovered himself. He had resumed all his impertinent assurance. Looking at Maxence from head to foot with any thing but a friendly look, “It is my dearest and my most ardent wish, sir,” he replied. “Very well. But you must have noticed the very slight success, to use no harsher word, of your assiduities.” “Alas!” “And, perhaps, you will judge, like myself, that it would be the act of a gentleman to withdraw in presence of such positive repugnance?” An ugly smile was wandering upon M. Costeclar’s pale lips. “Is it at the request of your sister, sir, that you make me this communication?” “No, sir.” “Are you aware whether your sister has some inclination that may be an obstacle to the realization of my hopes?” “Sir!”