"I was very sure that this was a cruel pleasantry," said the notary, with
suppressed anger. "Nothing touches you, nothing; what must be done? tell
me, at least. I serve you like the meanest valet; for you I neglect my
dearest interests; I know no more what I do. I am a subject of laughter for
my clerks; my clients hesitate to leave me their business. I have parted
with some pious people who used to visit me. I dare not think what the
public say of this complete change in all my habits. You do not know, no,
you do not know the fatal consequences that my mad passion may have for me.
See, now, the proofs of my devotion, my sacrifices. Do you wish more?
speak! Is it gold you wish? The world thinks me richer than I am, but
I----"

"What would you have me to do with your gold?" said Cecily, interrupting
the notary, and shrugging her shoulders. "To reside in this chamber--what
good would the gold do me? You have small invention!"

"But it is not my fault if you are a prisoner. Does this room displease
you? Will you have it more magnificent? speak, command."

"For what purpose; once more, for what purpose? Oh! if I expected here an
adored being, I would have gold, silk, flowers, perfumes, all the wonders
of luxury; nothing could be too sumptuous, too enchanting."

"Well! these wonders of luxury; say a word, and----"

"For what purpose? What should I do with the frame without the picture? The
adored being, where is he, oh! my master?"

"It is true!" cried the notary, bitterly. "I am old. I am ugly. I can only
inspire disgust and aversion; she loads me with contempt; she scoffs at me,