Beauvais writes that the difficulties which prevented his paying over the
inheritance of my wife's relation, Monsieur Duplessis, have mostly
disappeared. I have a hundred thousand livres at my disposal,--that is
to say, at yours,--and in a month at latest I shall be able to pay off my
debt. You ask me to be sincere," he continued, with a tinge of
reproachful irony; "be sincere in your turn, madame, and acknowledge that
you and your husband have both felt uneasy, and that the delays I have
been obliged to ask for have not seemed very encouraging to you?"

"It is true," she replied; "but we never questioned your good faith."

"And you were right. One is not always able to carry out one's
intentions; events can always upset our calculations; but what really is
in our power is the desire to do right--to be honest; and I can say that
I never intentionally wronged anyone. And now. I am happy in being able
to fulfil my promises to you. I trust when I am the owner of
Buisson-Souef you will not feel obliged to leave it."

"Thank you; I should like to come occasionally, for all my happy
recollections are connected with it. Is it necessary for me to accompany
you to Beauvais?"

"Why should you not? The change would do you good."

She looked up at him and smiled sadly. "I am not in a fit state to
undertake it."

"Not if you imagine that you are unable, certainly. Come, have you any
confidence in me?"