"I am sure, my lord," answered Mascarin, looking the picture of
disinterested honesty, "that, even to save yourself, you would never
sacrifice your daughter."

"But--"

"You are entirely mistaken; it is M. de Breulh-Faverlay whom my clients
wish to strike at, for they have taken an oath that he shall never wed a
lady with a million for her dowry."

So surprised was the Count, that the whole aspect of the interview
seemed to have changed, and he now combated his own objections instead
of those of his unwelcome visitor. "M. de Breulh-Faverlay has my
promise," remarked he; "but of course it is easy to find a pretext. The
Countess, however, is in favor of the match, and the chief opposition to
any change will come from her."

Mascarin did not think it wise to make any reply, and the Count
continued, "My daughter also may not view this rupture with
satisfaction."

Thanks to the information he had received from Florestan, Mascarin knew
how much importance to attach to this. "Mademoiselle, at her age and
with her tastes, is not likely to have her heart seriously engaged." For
fully a quarter of an hour the Count still hesitated. He knew that he
was entirely at the mercy of those miscreants, and his pride revolted at
the idea of submission; but at length he yielded.

"I agree," said he. "My daughter shall not marry M. de Breulh-Faverlay."