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Still, with the exception of M. Wilkie, every one present seemed to be terribly bored. In one corner, with her head resting on a piano, sat one of the yellow-haired damsels, fast asleep, while, beside the window, M. de Coralth was smoking with his elbows propped upon the table. The four other young men were looking on phlegmatically.
And then he began to study what advantages he might derive from his knowledge of the situation. M. de Coralth, like all persons whose present is more or less uncertain, had great misgivings concerning his future.
You remember, perhaps, a little incident that occurred after your return. On perceiving that you had forgotten your letter, you turned pale and glanced at me. 'Have you read it, and do you understand it? your eyes asked; while mine replied: 'Yes, but I shall be silent." "And I shall be silent too," said Madame d'Argeles. M. de Coralth took her hand and raised it to his lips.
It seemed such a perfectly natural thing to M. de Valorsay that Maumejan, as one of the baron's business agents, should be received at his house, that he was not in the least disturbed. But M. de Coralth, having heard the name, wished to see the man who had aided and advised the marquius so effectually. He abruptly turned, and as he did so the words he would have spoken died upon his lips.
He knew only too well that if his wife made herself known and revealed his past, it would be all over with him. But he had no money. Charming young men like the Viscount de Coralth never have any money on hand.
"There are other letters which will prove that this plot was the marquis's work and which give the name of his accomplice, Coralth. And these letters are in the possession of a man of dubious integrity, who was once the marquis's ally, but who has now become his enemy. He is known as Isidore Fortunat, and lives in the Place de la Bourse."
In any case, call here again at four o'clock." But the thought of meeting Madame d'Argeles again was anything but pleasing to Wilkie. "I would willingly yield that undertaking to some one else," said he. "Cannot some one else go in my place?" Fortunately M. de Coralth knew how to encourage him. "What! are you afraid?" he asked. Afraid! he? never!
The visitor was neither of these gentlemen, but M. Ferdinand de Coralth in person.
The idea of deriving any profit whatever from this affair inspired him with a feeling of disgust honor triumphed over his naturally crafty and avaricious nature. It seemed to him that any money made in this way would soil his fingers; for he realized there must be some deep villainy under all this plotting and planning; he was sure of it, since Coralth was mixed up in the affair.
Who aided you in defrauding Kami-Bey? Who bet for you against your own horse Domingo? Who risked his life in slipping those cards in the pack which Pascal Ferailleur held? It was Coralth, always Coralth." A gesture of anger escaped the marquis, but resolving to restrain himself, he made no rejoinder.
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