"The mother gets the diamonds from my husband; the daughter, it seems, Mr.Aycon, is likely to get respectability from you; and I suppose they will share the respective benefits when this trouble has blown over." It was no use to be angry with her; to confess the truth, I felt that anger would come ill from me.

So I did but say very quietly: "I think you are wrong.Mlle.Delhasse knew nothing of her mother's device." "You do not deny all of what I say," observed the duchess.
"Mlle.

Delhasse," I returned, "is in no need of what you suggest; but I hope that she will be my wife." "And some day," said the duchess, "you will see the necklace--or perhaps that would not be safe.

Madame will send the money." "When it happens," said I, "on my honor, I will write and tell you." The duchess, with a toss of her head which meant "Well, I'm right and you're wrong," rose from her seat.
"I must take poor Armand home," said she.

"M.