Every one about them was actuated by the keen desire "to make a fortune;" the desire was contagious.

They were not absolutely poor in the proper sense of the word "poverty," with Dalibard's annuity and the interest of Lucretia's fortune; but they were poor compared to those with whom they associated,--poor enough for discontent.

Thus, the image of the mighty wealth from which, perhaps, but a single life divided them, became horribly haunting.

To Gabriel's sensual vision the image presented itself in the shape of unlimited pleasure and prodigal riot; to Lucretia it wore the solemn majesty of power; to Dalibard himself it was but the Eureka of a calculation,--the palpable reward of wile and scheme and dexterous combinations.

The devil had temptations suited to each.
Meanwhile, the Dalibards were more and more with the Bellangers.