resolution. Do not ask my motives; I shall not reveal them; but rest
assured that they are sufficient."

"Are we not your friends?"

"You, Monsieur!" exclaimed Lacheneur, in tones of the most lively
affection, "you! ah! you know it well! You are the best, the only
friends, I have here below. I should be the basest and the most
miserable of men if I did not guard the recollection of all your
kindnesses until my eyes close in death. Yes, you are my friends; yes, I
am devoted to you--and it is for that very reason that I answer: no, no,
never!"

There could no longer be any doubt. M. d'Escorval seized Lacheneur's
hands, and almost crushing them in his grasp:

"Unfortunate man!" he exclaimed, hoarsely, "what do you intend to do? Of
what terrible vengeance are you dreaming?"

"I swear to you----"

"Oh! do not swear. You cannot deceive a man of my age and of my
experience. I divine your intentions--you hate the Sairmeuse family more
mortally than ever."

"I?"

"Yes, you; and if you pretend to forget it, it is only that they may
forget it. These people have offended you too cruelly not to fear you;
you understand this, and you are doing all in your power to reassure