Belle Iza and the executed Clemenceau point a moral, neither of us can
find a mate in marriage easily. If blood stains me, shame is reflected
on you. Let us efface both blood and shame by an united effort! Let our
life in common force the world to look no farther than ourselves and see
nothing of the disgrace beyond."

"I do not care a fig for what people think or say," said the one-night
_diva_, with a curl of the lip. "And I do not understand you fully."

"Wait till I see you again, when all shall be made clear. Meanwhile,
cousin--since without you I should have lost my life, or, certainly my
liberty--I am eternally bound to you. It is left to you to have the
bonds solemnized in the church, here, in France--my country!"




CHAPTER X.

THE FOX IN THE FOLD.


Among the secluded villas that dot with pretty colors the suburb of
Montmorency, there is none more agreeable than the Villa Reine-Claude,
which was in the hands of the notary who had managed the transmission of
the maintenance money to young Clemenceau. At the hint from M. Ritz, who
had a debt of honor to pay the son of his dead friend, the house was
rented at a nominal sum. Here Felix, as he boldly described himself by
right, though the name had a tinge of mockery, installed himself with
his bride. He had a portfolio of architectural sketches soon completed