have money. I brought him no dot, alas! Except"--with
a burlesque courtesy--"my beauty and my blood. I must
know how much money we shall have before I design the
menage."

"George has his income," said his mother hastily.

"Ah! You are alarmed, madam! You do not like plain
words about the affaires? George tells me that
although he is long ago of age, he has as yet received no
portion of his father's estates."

"Lisa! You do not understand! Mother, I did not
complain. You have always given me my share of the
income from the property. I have no doubt it was a fair
share--as much as if my father had left me my portion,
according to custom."

"Yes, it was a fair share," said Frances.

"Ah! you smile, madam!" interrupted Lisa. "I am told it
is a vast property, a grand chateau--many securities! M.
Waldeaux pere made a will, on dit, incredibly
foolish, with no mention of his son. But now that this
son comes to marry, to become the head of the house, if
you were a French mother, if you were just, you
would---- You appear to be amused, madam?"

For Mrs. Waldeaux was laughing. She could not speak for
a moment. The tears stood in her eyes.