"No, I assure you, his presumption excites my deepest indignation. A fellow like Macreuse to have such pretensions and perhaps be able to realise them, a man who from my school-days has always inspired me with both loathing and aversion! And this poor Mlle. de Beaumesnil whom I do not even know, but who becomes interesting in my eyes the minute she is in danger of becoming the wife of that rascal,--really I have half a mind to marry her myself, if only to spoil Macreuse's plans and save the poor little thing from that villain's clutches." "Oh, Gerald, my son," cried the duchess, "your marriage would make me the happiest of mothers!" "But--my liberty--my precious liberty!" "But, Gerald, think of it,--with one of the most illustrious names in France, and then to become the richest and greatest landowner in France! Think of the power this immense fortune will give combined with a position like yours, my dear Gerald." "Yes, that is so," answered Gerald, reflectively, "but think of me, too, condemned to a life of ennui, and silk hose every evening henceforth and for ever. Besides, remember those dear girls who love me so devotedly; for, having the good fortune to be young and poor, I am forced to believe that their love is entirely disinterested." "But, my dear," insisted the duchess, urged on in spite of herself by her ambition to see her son make this wealthy marriage, "perhaps you exaggerate the requirements of duty too much. Because you are married is no reason--" "Oh, mother, mother, to think I should ever hear you recommending laxity of morals after marriage!" "You misunderstand my meaning entirely, my son," replied Madame de Senneterre, considerably embarrassed. "I didn't say anything of the kind. If I insist, it is not only to inspire you with a desire to supplant this abominable man, but also for humanity's sake, so to speak." "Humanity's sake?" "Certainly, that poor little Mlle. de Beaumesnil would positively die of grief and despair if she is forced to live with such a monster. It would be a most generous and commendable act to save her from him." "Really, mother, I expect to hear you say in a minute or two that I shall deserve the Monthyon prize, if I contract this marriage." "Yes, if the Monthyon prize is to be awarded to the son who makes his mother the happiest of women," replied Madame de Senneterre, looking up at Gerald with eyes full of tears. Gerald loved his mother so devotedly that the emotion she manifested touched the young duke deeply, and he said, with a smile: