The baron shook his head despondently. "I thought so myself, at first,"
he murmured.

"But what does he say in justification of his conduct? He must say
something."

"Nothing; _he_ refuses any explanation."

"And you, father, with all your knowledge of human nature, with all your
wide experience, have not been able to fathom his intentions?"

"I have my suspicions," M. d'Escorval replied; "but only suspicions.
It is possible that Lacheneur, listening to the voice of hatred, is
dreaming of a terrible revenge. Who knows if he does not think of
organizing some conspiracy, of which he is to be the leader? These
suppositions would explain everything. Chanlouineau is his aider and
abettor; and he pretends to be reconciled to the Marquis de Sairmeuse in
order to get information through him----"

The blood had returned to the pale cheeks of Maurice.

"Such a conspiracy would not explain Monsieur Lacheneur's obstinate
rejection of my suit."

"Alas! yes, my poor boy. It is through Marie-Anne that Lacheneur exerts
such an influence over Chanlouineau and the Marquis de Sairmeuse. If she
became your wife to-day, they would desert him tomorrow. Then, too, it
is precisely because he loves us that he is determined we shall not be
mixed up in an enterprise the success of which is extremely doubtful.