me just now while I was listening to you. You promised to send
some one to Valorsay's house with money. I entreat you to allow
me to take the place of the man you intended to send. The marquis
doesn't know me, and I am sufficiently sure of myself to promise
you that I will not betray my identity. I will present myself as
your agent; he will give me his confidence. I shall take him
money or fair promises, I shall be well received, and I have a
plan----"

He was interrupted by a rap at the door. The next moment a
footman entered, and informed his master that a messenger wished
to speak to him on urgent business. "Let him come in," said the
baron.

It was Job, Madame Lia d'Argeles's confidential servant, who
entered the room. He bowed respectfully, and, with an air of
profound mystery exclaimed: "I have been looking for the baron
everywhere. I was ordered by madame not to return without him."

"Very well," said M. Trigault. "I will go with you at once."



V.


How was it that a clever man like M. Fortunat made such a blunder
as to choose a Sunday, and a racing Sunday too, to call on M.
Wilkie. His anxiety might explain the mistake, but it did not
justify it. He felt certain, that under any other circumstances