"Come, let us make an end of this. How much do you want for these
papers?"

"Oh, my lord!" exclaimed Mascarin; "surely you do not think that I could
be guilty----?"

M. de Mussidan shrugged his shoulders. "Pray, do not take me for a
fool," said he, "but name your sum."

Mascarin seemed a little embarrassed, and hesitated. "We don't want
money," answered he at length.

"Not money!" replied the Count.

"We want something that is of no importance to you, but of the utmost
value to those who despatched me here. I am commissioned to inform you
that my clients desire that you should break off the engagement between
your daughter and M. de Breulh-Faverlay, and that the missing paper will
be handed to you on the completion of her marriage with any else whom
you may deem worthy of such an honor."

This demand, which was utterly unexpected, so astonished the Count that
he could only exclaim, "Why, this is absolute madness!"

"No; it is plain, good sense, and a _bona fide_ offer."

An idea suddenly flashed across the Count's mind. "Is it your
intention," asked he, "to furnish me with a son-in-law too?"