The marquis was seated in his great easy-chair; a book lay open before him on a table; but he was not reading; his head was resting on his hand, and he seemed absorbed in profound meditation. From time to time he glanced at certain papers that lay scattered over the table, and murmured: "All his debts are paid; he has contracted no others; and yet he passes his time in fêtes, in orgies, entertaining his friends and their mistresses. The most princely magnificence reigns in that house that he occupies in Rue de Bretonvilliers! Where, in heaven's name, does he obtain this money which he seems to squander so lavishly? Doubtless chance has become favorable to him, but chance cannot be always on one side; and not long ago he lost quite a large sum at the Duc de Soubiran's. Where does he find enough money to meet his insane expenditures? Can it be true, as rumor has it, that some foreign courtesan has given him immense wealth in exchange for his love; and that Léodgard has agreed to that shameful bargain?--Ah! I do not propose to seek any further to learn the source of his fortune; for something tells me that the discovery of that secret would bring the flush of shame to my brow!--And his marriage to Mademoiselle de Mongarcin--I must think no more of that; it will never take place. That nobly born heiress would refuse now to marry a man whose conduct is a constant scandal.--Ah! Léodgard did thoroughly everything that was necessary to prevent that union from being arranged!" The old man had relapsed into meditation, when the door of his study opened, and old Hector discreetly showed his face before the rest of his body. "What do you want, Hector?" inquired the marquis, raising his head; "I did not ring for you." "That is true, monsieur le marquis; and I should not have ventured to disturb you without a reason, a motive; someone----" "What is it, pray? Speak, explain yourself, Hector. Does someone wish to speak with me? Is it my son, or someone from him?" "No, monsieur," replied the valet sadly, turning his eyes upon the floor; "no, it is not Monsieur Léodgard who sends--although the person probably knows him, for she came here to ask for him several months ago." "The person--who is this person?" "It is a young girl; she asks to be allowed the favor of speaking with monseigneur--in private." "A young girl--and an acquaintance of Comte Léodgard--I can have nothing in common with such a person! Send the girl away, Hector!" "I have the honor to assure monsieur le marquis that the person in question appears to be no less virtuous than respectable. She implores monseigneur to consent to hear her; she demands justice and says that she has no hope of obtaining it except through him." "Justice!" muttered the marquis. "In that case, Hector, do not keep this girl waiting--admit her at once."