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"Cayrol, everything is explained," said the mistress. "You have nothing to fear from him whom you suspected. He is separated from Jeanne forever, And; besides, nothing has passed between him and her who is your wife that could arouse your jealousy. I will not tell you the name of this man now.
It is my hand only which I give you today." "I have not the conceitedness to think that you love me, Mademoiselle," said Cayrol, humbly. "You give me your hand; it will be for me to gain your heart, and with time and sincere affection I do not despair of winning it. I am truly happy, believe me, for the favor you do me, and all my life long shall be spent in proving my gratitude to you."
The secretary looked up amazed, and did not seem to understand. "Well! The Prince has had an overdraft; you will give me a statement; that's all! I wish to see how we two stand." The two men, astonished to hear Madame Desvarennes speak of her son-in-law as she would of a customer, exchanged looks. "You have lent my son-in-law money, Cayrol?"
When they were spoken of before Austrians or Poles, they were called heroes. Such a man was a dangerous companion for a young, simple, and artless girl like Micheline. His adventures were bound to please her imagination, and his beauty sure to charm her eyes. Cayrol was a prudent man; he watched, and it was not long before he perceived that Micheline treated the Prince with marked favor.
She bent her brow, and Madame Desvarennes let tears of gratitude and admiration fall on it. Then Jeanne went of her own accord to the room door. "Come, Monsieur," called she to Cayrol. The husband, grown cooler while waiting, and troubled at the length of the interview, showed his anxious face on the threshold. He saw Madame Desvarennes grave, and Jeanne collected. He dared not speak.
He hardened himself against his impressions, and replied, with insinuating sweetness: "Why do you speak of desertion, when a good man who loves you fondly, and who possesses a handsome fortune, wishes to marry you?" Mademoiselle de Cernay raised her head, hastily. "So, it is you who advise me to marry Monsieur Cayrol? Is there nothing revolting to you in the idea that I should follow your advice?
Two days later I entered the office. You see the position I hold, and I owe it to Pierre. He has been more than a friend to me a brother. Come! after that, tell me what you would think of me if I did what you have just asked me?" Cayrol was confused; he twisted his bristly beard with his fingers.
He tried to take her in his arms, but the young wife disengaged herself. "Leave me alone!" she said, moving away. Cayrol looked at her in amazement. "What is it? You are trembling and frightened!" He tried to jest: "Am I so very terrible, then? Or is it the idea of leaving here that troubles you so much? If so, why did you not tell me sooner? I can understand things.
"Cayrol!" cried Madame Desvarennes, shuddering, and troubled to find that she had been so easily understood by him whom she had armed on her behalf. "The opportunity was a rare one, though," continued Cayrol, getting excited. "Fancy; I found them together under my own roof. The law allowed me, if not the actual right to kill them, at least an excuse if I did so.
"I am not easily enticed, as you know," said Jeanne, in a firm voice, trying to smile. Micheline and Madame Desvarennes had drawn near. "Come, Cayrol," said Serge, in a tone of command; "I am happy to-day; perhaps I may succeed in your behalf as I have done in my own. Let me plead your cause with Mademoiselle de Cernay?" "With all my heart.
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