"Not one. We are poor exiles, and have not, I believe, one relative in the wide world." Harry was greatly distressed. It was clear that Adèle would never consent to marry Polignac, even if her mother wished it; and there was no escape from the dilemma save by raising the money. "Are you quite sure you are so fully in the man’s power?" he asked. "I know it too well. There is no flaw in the documents; my dear husband’s lawyer is a good man; we have no way of escape." "Of course you have consulted him?" "Yes; he can do nothing. It is law, he tells me; we have no other property the sale of which might pay off the mortgage; I have nothing but my jewels, the gifts of my dear comte, and they would not bring one-tenth of the sum we need. The income from the estate would enable us to pay off the mortgage in ten years if we were given time." A ray of light struck suddenly upon Harry. "Does Mynheer Grootz know?" he asked. "Oh no! Mynheer Grootz is indeed a friend, but he could do nothing—nothing." "I am not sure of that. I think he should be told. It is a matter of business; he is a shrewd man of business; he may be able to see a way out of the difficulty that we are ignorant of; with your leave I will put the case to him." "No, Monsieur Harry, I forbid it. I prefer that Mynheer Grootz should not know. He has enough to do, I am sure, without being troubled with a poor woman’s affairs. I do not say he has not a good heart; he has; he knows how fond I am of rare tulips, and has so kindly given me bulbs; but no, I could not seek other favours from him, I could not indeed. Besides, the lawyer has said, nothing can be done; Mynheer Grootz can do nothing against the law." "True, Madame; and yet—it is a chance; it can surely do no harm——" "You do not understand, Monsieur; it may do the very greatest harm." Harry was mystified, especially as he fancied he detected the glimmer of a smile on Adèle’s face. "I do not understand——" he began. "Mother cannot explain," said Adèle quietly. "I do not agree with her; I think she is quite mistaken; certainly Mynheer Grootz should be told." "Adèle, you are a child; one cannot expect you to understand." "Maman chérie, do you think so? You are a goose, petite Maman. Monsieur, believe me, it will be the very best thing in the world to consult Mynheer Grootz." "Adèle!" "It will, Mamma. It is a poor chance, I fear, but ought we to neglect even the least? and you do not wish me to marry Monsieur de Polignac?" "Mon Dieu, non! A thousand times no! The odious man!" "Then, Madame," said Harry, "I will venture to see Mynheer Grootz as soon as I can,—or perhaps write to him." "Eh bien! it is against my will. I protest; I can do no more. You will tell him I protested?" "Certainly, I shall not forget. I will let you know what he says; perhaps he will come himself. Madame, have a good heart; why, if all else fails, there is my man Sherry; you remember how he embraced the gentlemen?"