incognito, and so may a simple _gentilhomme_. 'Regain my place in
society,' say you? Yes; it is not that which troubles me."

"What does?"

"The consideration whether on a very modest income I can be sufficiently
esteemed for myself to render that society more pleasant than ever. Ah,
_mon cher_! why recoil? why so frightened? Do you think I am going to
ask you for money? Have I ever done so since we parted; and did I ever
do so before without repaying you? Bah! you _roturiers_ are worse than
the Bourbons. You never learn or unlearn. 'Fors non mutat genus.'"

The magnificent _millionaire_, accustomed to the homage of grandees from
the Faubourg and _lions_ from the Chaussee d'Antin, rose to his feet in
superb wrath, less at the taunting words than at the haughtiness of mien
with which they were uttered.

"Monsieur, I cannot permit you to address me in that tone. Do you mean
to insult me?"

"Certainly not. Tranquillize your nerves, reseat yourself, and listen,--
reseat yourself, I say."

Louvier dropped into his chair.

"No," resumed the Vicomte, politely, "I do not come here to insult you,
neither do I come to ask money; I assume that I am in my rights when I
ask Monsieur Louvier what has become of Louise Duval?"

"Louise Duval! I know nothing about her."