_Man._ Oh, thoroughly! But I am still at a loss to imagine where my interference would be either necessary or effectual. _Bev._ My dear friend-- _Man._ [_Aside._] Now _he's_ getting tender! _Bev._ One word from you as to the proper disposition of the money would-- _Man._ Monsieur de Bevannes, let me end this at once, by telling you that, in my opinion, any interference from me in the family affairs of M. Laroque, would be a gross and unseemly abuse of his confidence. _Bev._ And this is the return you make for mine? _Man._ I did not solicit it, sir. _Bev._ Sir, permit me to take your hand. _Man._ Really-- _Bev._ You have stood the test, you are a noble fellow. You are-- _Enter MADAME AUBREY._ [_Aside._] There's Mrs. Waterspout, by jove! [_Aloud._] You seem puzzled at my manner--I will take another opportunity of explaining. Suffice it now to say you have _misunderstood_ me. [_Exit._ _Man._ My understanding seems to be terribly at fault to-day. _Mad. A._ [_Aside._] De Bevannes has left him. A good opportunity for me. [_Comes down._] Beautiful! Exquisite indeed! _Man._ Madame-- _Mad. A._ Truly, each new picture you finish, is more lovely than the last. Oh! [_Weeps._ _Man._ What is the matter? _Mad. A._ The painting of that sheep's head-- _Man._ Yes, Madame-- _Mad. A._ Reminds me of my own portrait, taken in happier years, long passed away. _Man._ But there are as happy ones in store for you, I hope. _Mad. A._ That will depend greatly upon you, Monsieur Manuel. _Man._ On _me_? _Mad. A._ Yes. Do you know, Monsieur Manuel, that I find my poor cousin Laroque very much changed,-- _Man._ Indeed he is. _Mad. A._ And for the worse. In fact, he appears to me to be sinking fast. _Man._ I'm afraid such is the case. _Mad. A._ How fond he is of you--you, it is well known, possess his entire confidence. _Man._ I have been fortunate enough to make my poor services acceptable to him. _Mad. A._ Now, just between ourselves, in the strictest confidence; do you happen to be aware how the property will be left? _Man._ I do not, Madame. _Mad. A._ I am in a state of painful apprehension, lest the dear old gentleman should over-estimate the desires and requirements of Madame Laroque, and should, therefore, curtail any little legacy coming to _me_, to make _her_ portion larger, which would be absolutely throwing money away. I hope you understand my entire want of selfishness in this matter? _Man._ I think I do. _Mad. A._ I was sure you would. Now, if you will use your power and settle this affair to my advantage, all I can say is, so noble an action would not go unrewarded. _Man._ I should hope not. _Mad. A._ You will find me _substantially_ grateful; you understand me? _Man._ Entirely. _Mad. A._ And I you?