“Under what pretext should I have confidence in you? I know you only too well. You will serve me until the time comes when you find it more to your advantage to throw me over.” “I!” “You, Elias Lichtenbach; but that is all the same to me—I hold you now.” “Do you hope to succeed?” “I always hope to succeed. Look at me now, please.” She threw back her head with a movement of voluptuous grace, which seemed to intensify her beauty a hundred-fold. She smiled, and her eyes and lips assumed an expression of passionate ardour, which sent a thrill through the veins of Lichtenbach. Who could resist this creature’s imperious power? She well knew the extent of her charm. At a sign from her men became changed into slaves. She was the magician who loosened human passions and appetites, and led lost creatures to folly, shame, and crime. “Yes; you will succeed in whatever you undertake,” murmured Lichtenbach, fascinated by her charm. “No exaggeration! I am not infallible, as you know, since Trémont escaped me. Still, I will do everything a human being can do to succeed. Have confidence, and keep calm, that is all I ask.” A rolling of wheels was heard under the carriage gate, and a trampling of horses’ hoofs announced the return of Mademoiselle Lichtenbach. “It is my daughter returning,” said the banker. “Then she is at home for the present?” “She wished to assist at the funeral of the General de Trémont, whose daughter is a friend of hers.” A smile flitted across the lips of the Baroness. “Chance or precaution?” “Chance,” said Lichtenbach, coldly. “They are both at the Sacre-Coeur. They found themselves thrown together, and a mutual attachment sprang up.” “And now that you know of it, you encourage this intimacy?” “I never oppose my daughter.” “That is true; I forgot. You are a good father, Lichtenbach. It is the last concession you have made to humanity. And it is there that you are still vulnerable. Take care!” “My daughter is an angel, who prays for me. I dread nothing. She has her mother’s goodness and grace.” “And she imagines you to be a good and honourable father. Suppose the day were to come when her eyes were opened about yourself?” Elias stood upright in threatening attitude. “Who could do that?” “One of your enemies; you do not lack them now. Perhaps a friend; the world is so wicked.” “His boldness would cost him dear!” growled Lichtenbach. The Baroness arose. She walked about the room for a few seconds, as though undecided to leave. Then she asked— “Before I go, could I see your daughter?” Lichtenbach looked steadily at her, then he replied rudely— “No.” “Why not?” “Because it is useless.” “Are you afraid that I shall corrupt her by speaking a few words to her?” “Perhaps.” “Bravo! Well, you are frank now, at any rate.” Lichtenbach raised himself to his full height, and, repaying Sophia in a single moment for all the insolent expressions she had been so prodigal with the last hour, said—