There will be a significant laugh among the members, and in time, a very short time, the scandal in a highly sensational form will come to the ears of your husband."The Viscountess wrung her hands.
"It is too horrible," wailed she. "And do you know that Bois Arden would put the worst construction on the whole affair, for he declares that a woman will sacrifice anything in order to outshine her sex in dress. Ah, I will never run up another bill anywhere; tell me, Gontran, what I had better do. Can you not get the receipt from De Croisenois?"M. de Breulh paused for a moment and then replied, "Of course I could do so, but such a step would be very damaging to your reputation. Ihave no proof; and if I went to him, he would deny everything of course, and it would make him your enemy for life.""Besides," added Andre, "you would put him on his guard, and he would escape us."The unhappy woman glanced from one to the other in utter despair.
"Then I am lost," she exclaimed. "Am I to remain for the rest of my days in this villain's power?""Not so," returned Andre, "for I hope soon to put it out of M. de Croisenois' power to injure any one. What did he say when he asked you to introduce him to the Mussidans?""Nothing pointed."
"Then, madame, do not disturb yourself to-night. So long as he hopes you will be useful, so long he will stay his hand. Do as he wishes;never allude to the receipt; introduce him and speak well of him, while I, aided by M. de Breulh, will do my utmost to unmask this scoundrel; and as long as he believes himself to be in perfect security, our task will be an easy one."Just then the servant returned from the bank, and as soon as the man had left the room De Breulh took the notes and placed them in his cousin's hand.
"Here is the money for De Croisenois," said he. "Take my advice, and give it to him this evening with a polite letter of thanks.""A thousand thanks, Gontran; I will act as you advise.""Remember you must not allude in your letter to his introduction to the Mussidans. What do you think, Andre?""I think a receipt for the money would be a great thing," answered he.
"But such a demand would arouse his suspicions.""I think not, madame, and I see a way of doing it; have you a maid upon whom you could rely?""Yes, I have one."
"Good, then give the girl a letter and the notes done up in a separate parcel, and tell her exactly what she is to do. When she sees the Marquis, let her pretend to be alarmed at the great responsibility that she is incurring in carrying this large sum, and insist upon a receipt for her own protection.""There is sound sense in that," said De Breulh.
"Yes, yes," said the Viscountess, "Josephine will do--as sharp a girl as you could find in a day's journey--and will manage the thing admirably. Trust to me," she continued, as a smile of hope spread over her face; "I will keep De Croisenois in a good humor; he will confide in me, and I will tell you everything. But, oh dear! what shall I do without Van Klopen? Why, there is not another man in Paris fit to stand in his shoes."With these words the Viscountess rose to leave.
"I am completely worn out," remarked she; "and I have a dinner-party to-night. Good-bye then, until we meet again;" and with her spirits evidently as joyous as ever, she tripped into her carriage.
"Now," said Andre, as soon as they were once more alone, "we are on the track of De Croisenois. He evidently holds Madame de Mussidan as he holds Madame de Bois Arden. His is a really honorable mode of action; he surprises a secret, and then turns extortioner."
