taken? Who initiated her into what you call high life? and who
used her as a discreet and easy chaperon? Who married her to a
wretch who is a disgrace to the title he bears, and who has
completed the work of demoralization you began? And what is your
daughter to-day? Her extravagance has made her notorious even
among the shameless women who pretend to be leaders of society.
She is scarcely twenty-two, and there is not a single prejudice
left for her to brave! Her husband is the companion of actresses
and courtesans; her own companions are no better--and in less than
two years the million of francs which I bestowed on her as a dowry
has been squandered, recklessly squandered--for there isn't a
penny of it left. And, at this very hour, my daughter and my son-
in-law are plotting to extort money from me. On the day before
yesterday--listen carefully to this--my son-in-law came to ask me
for a hundred thousand francs, and when I refused them, he
threatened if I did not give them to him that he would publish
some letters written by my daughter--by his wife--to some low
scoundrel. I was horrified and gave him what he asked. But that
same evening I learned that the husband and wife, my daughter and
my son-in-law, had concocted this vile conspiracy together. Yes,
I have positive proofs of it. Leaving here, and not wishing to
return home that day, he telegraphed the good news to his wife.
But in his delight he made a mistake in the address, and the
telegram was brought here. I opened it, and read: 'Papa has
fallen into the trap, my darling. I beat my drum, and he
surrendered at once.' Yes, that is what he dared to write, and
sign with his own name, and then send to his wife--my daughter!"

Pascal was absolutely terrified. He wondered if he were not the
victim of some absurd nightmare--if his senses were not playing