Very well, then, I shall henceforth act in such a manner as to be neither dupe nor victim.
In future, everything will be: self, and woe to him who hinders me.

That is the morality of the age, is it not ?" And she laughed nervously.
"Was I not stupid?
Come, Prince, you have made me clever.

Many thanks for the lesson; it was difficult, but I shall profit by it." The Prince, astonished at the sudden change, listened to Jeanne with stupor.

He did not yet quite understand.
"What do you intend to do ?" asked he.
Jeanne looked at him with a fiendish expression.

Her eyes sparkled like stars; her white teeth shone between her lips.
"I intend," replied she, "to lay the foundation of my power, and to follow your advice, by marrying a millionaire!" She ran to the window, and, looking out toward the shady garden, called: "Monsieur Cayrol!" Serge, full of surprise, and seized by a sudden fit of jealousy, went toward her as if to recall her.
"Jeanne," said he, vaguely holding out his arms.
"Well! what is it ?" she asked, with crushing haughtiness.