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"That merely proves that she was deceived by the lying note that you forged in my name. How, in the sight of God, can a father so betray his own child!" "It was sent with my approbation, but written by Barbesieur, as a slight token of acknowledgment for your cowardly attack on him at the Pre aux Clercs.

The eyes of the marquis glowed with desire, and his swarthy face was tinged with red. "What would I give?" cried he, as he caught a glimpse of Laura on the dance. "The half of my fortune, the half of my life, if, with one half of either, I might call her mine!" "Nay," said Barbesieur, with a sinister laugh, "I am neither robber nor devil.

"If you are not afraid of me, so much the worse for you; I should have thought that you had learned from your mother, how Barbesieur de Louvois nurses his hate, and how it blossoms into misery for those on whom he bestows it." Laura's eyes filled with tears, and her voice faltered. "I did learn it from her martyrdom; but she was not like me. She submitted where I would resist."

She had so closely observed the little lad she was resolved to emulate, that she had succeeded in fashioning out of the heavy bindings of some old hangings, that lay in a sort of rubbish closet, a stout rope, of strength sufficient to bear her weight. It was at this juncture of her preparations, that Barbesieur broke in upon her happy solitude, with his terrible tidings of Eugene's misfortune.

Come we may as well go at once to her rooms, that my visit may be over." So saying, Barbesieur put his arm within that of the marquis, but the latter, drawing back, pointed to the clock on the mantel. "It is too early: she never permits me to come before eleven." "And you her husband, suffer such impertinent dictation from your vassal your wife!"

But the covetous relations would not let me lay a finger on Laura's estates, without your written authorization. That brought me hurriedly to Paris. I want it at once, that I may return to Bonaletta to-day." "You must remain for a while longer," said Louvois. "And why, pray?" "Because you must at least wait until my funeral is over," replied the unhappy father. Barbesieur began to laugh.

"Yes, yes; but you know that she denies the marriage, and persists that she is the wife of Eugene of Savoy." "She is a sentimental fool," cried Barbesieur, with a coarse laugh. "And devil take me but I would cure her of her folly were she my wife! If she will not love you, man, why do you not force her to fear you?" "Fear me! Her soul knows not fear.

"I swear, my dear Strozzi, by sun, moon, and stars " Strozzi shook his head, and folded his hands reverently. "No, no; swear by the memory of my sainted Laura." Barbesieur swore, and the door was opened. "Come in," said Strozzi. "And may all the gods of vengeance bless my entrance hither!" muttered Barbesieur, between his teeth. The room was as Carlotta had described it.

"They will not molest me. Barbesieur Louvois has reached the gates, and I must greet him ere he goes. Come, Latour and Darmont, and show me the way by the private staircase. The rest of you keep your posts and be watchful, for the struggle may be renewed, and it is just possible that I may have to order you to fire. And now shall I conduct my mother to her boudoir?"

"You do not ask me about the result of my expedition," said Barbesieur. "Nor do you seem to think it incumbent upon you to ask wherefore I suffer, or why I am here instead of being where I ought to be, at the fiancailles of Mademoiselle de Blois," replied Louvois, whom his son's indifference had stung to returning energy.