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Updated: June 26, 2025
"You are right," nodded the marquis; and turning to Pierre again he threateningly said: "Listen, Pierre Labarre; I will tell you the object of my visit. It is a question of the honor of the Fougereuse." A sarcastic laugh played about the old man's lips, and half muttering to himself, he repeated: "The honor of the Fougereuse I am really curious to know what I shall hear."
Pierre Labarre stroked the white hair from his forehead with his long bony hand and slowly said: "I know only one Marquis of Fougereuse." "And who should bear this title if not I?" cried the marquis, angrily. "The son of the man who was murdered at Leigoutte in the year 1805," replied Pierre.
He understood how to let the money fly, and when the marquis, alarmed at his son's extravagance, reproached his wife, the latter cut him short by saying: "Once for all, Jean, my son was not made to save; he is the heir of the Fougereuse, and must keep up his position." "But in this way we shall soon be beggars," complained the marquis. "Is that my fault?" asked Madame Madeleine, sharply.
"But a million!" groaned Fougereuse, "the sum is impossible to secure! If I were to sell or pawn everything, I would not succeed in raising a quarter of this sum." "Then you refuse?" asked Velletri. "God forbid, only I do not know how I shall satisfy the demand of the society. A million is, under the circumstances, a terrible sum!"
"Certainly," stammered Fougereuse, "I am ready to help the Society of Jesus to the extent of my means, and should like to know beforehand how high the sum is that is required. My finances are at present exhausted and " "Have no fear," interrupted Velletri dryly; "the sum in question is not so immense that you need be frightened about it." Fougereuse breathed more freely.
"Don't mention it, sir," replied Fanfaro, modestly, "I have only done my duty." "Well I hope if you should ever need me you will let me know. The Marquis of Fougereuse is grateful." When the marquis went downstairs shortly afterward, he found Simon awaiting him. "Simon," he said, hurriedly, "do you know who Fanfaro is?" "No, my lord." "He is the son of my brother, Jules de Fougereuse."
Before the marquis could express his satisfaction, the Marquis of Montferrand was announced. "A visit at this hour!" cried Fougereuse, in amazement; "it is hardly seven o'clock." "The gentleman comes on important business, as he informed me," said the servant.
"Have I the honor of addressing Monsieur Girdel?" the stranger politely asked. "At your service; that is my name." "I am the Marquis of Fougereuse, and would like to have an interview with you." "Take a seat, my lord marquis, and speak," said Girdel, looking expectantly at his visitor. "I will not delay you long, Monsieur Girdel," the marquis began; "I know you have met with a misfortune "
Labarre trembled with contemptuous rage; the man before him was more mercenary and wicked than he thought could be possible. He buried both his sons almost at the same hour, but he still found time and opportunity to inquire about the legacy for which he had made so many sacrifices. "Well," exclaimed Fougereuse impatiently, "tell me, where are the millions of my father?"
Both the wife and the children of Jules Fougere had disappeared since that catastrophe, and so the Vicomte of Talizac, now Marquis of Fougereuse, claimed possession of his father's estate.
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