length of time as fourscore years; for that he had in the earlier part
of his studies carefully dissected a multitude of animals,--frogs,
rabbits, dogs, men, horses, sheep, squirrels, foxes, cats, etc.,--and
discovered no peculiarity in man's organs to account for his singular
longevity, except in the brain or organ of mind. Thence he went to
the longevity of men with contented minds, and the rapid decay of the
careworn. Finally he succeeded in convincing them the baroness was so
constituted, physically and mentally, that she would never move from
Beaurepaire except into her grave. However, having thus terrified them,
he proceeded to console them. "You have a friend," said he, "a powerful
friend; and here in my pocket--somewhere--is a letter that proves it."

The letter was from Mr. Perrin the notary. It appeared by it that Dr.
Aubertin had reminded the said Perrin of his obligations to the late
baron, and entreated him to use all his influence to keep the estate in
this ancient family.

Perrin had replied at first in a few civil lines; but his present letter
was a long and friendly one. It made both the daughters of Beaurepaire
shudder at the peril they had so narrowly escaped. For by it they now
learned for the first time that one Jaques Bonard, a small farmer,
to whom they owed but five thousand francs, had gone to the mayor and
insisted, as he had a perfect right, on the estate being put up to
public auction. This had come to Perrin's ears just in time, and he had
instantly bought Bonard's debt, and stopped the auction; not, however,
before the very bills were printed; for which he, Perrin, had paid, and
now forwarded the receipt. He concluded by saying that the government
agent was personally inert, and would never move a step in the matter
unless driven by a creditor.