Carrie saw him, too, and instantly turned as white as the satin dress she wore, while Agnes, who seemed to have some suspicion of his errand, exclaimed, "Impudent scoundrel!" At the same time advancing forward, she laid her hand upon his arm.
He shook it off lightly, saying, "_Pardonnez moi, ma chere_; I've no come to trouble you." Then turning to Ashmore he said, pointing to Carrie, "She be your wife, I take it ?" "Yes, sir," replied Ashmore haughtily.

"Have you any objections?
If so they have come too late." "Not von, not in the least, no sar," said the Frenchman, bowing nearly to the floor.

"It give me one grand plaisir; so now you will please settle von leetle bill I have against her;" at the same time he drew from his pocket a sheet of half-worn paper.
Carrie, who was leaning heavily against Mr.Ashmore instantly sprang forward and endeavored to snatch the paper, saying half-imploringly, "Don't, Penoyer, you know my father will pay it." But Penoyer passed it to Mr.Ashmore, while Captain Howard, coming forward, said, "Pay what?
What is all this about ?" "Only a trifle," said Penoyer; "just a bill for giving your daughter musique lessons three years in Albany." "You give my daughter music lessons ?" demanded Captain Howard.
"_Oui_, monsieur, I do that same thing," answered Penoyer.
"Oh, Carrie, Carrie," said Captain Howard, in his surprise forgetting the time and place, "why did you tell me that your knowledge of music you acquired yourself, with the assistance of your cousin, and a little help from her music teacher; and why, when this man was here a few months ago, did you not tell me he was your music teacher and had not been paid ?" Bursting into tears Carrie answered, "Forgive me, father, but he said he had no bill against me; he made no charge." "But she gave me von big, large mitten," said the Frenchman, "when she see this man, who has more l'argent; but no difference, no difference, sar, this gentleman," bowing toward Ashmore, "parfaitement delighted to pay it." Whether he were delighted or not, he did pay it, for drawing from his pocket his purse, while his large black eyes emitted gleams of fire, he counted out the required amount, one hundred and twenty-five dollars; then confronting Penoyer, he said fiercely, "Give me a receipt for this instantly, after which I will take it upon me to show you the door." "Certainement, certainement, all I want is my l'argent," said Penoyer.
The money was paid, the receipt given, and then, as Penoyer hesitated a moment, Ashmore said, "Are you waiting to be helped out, sir ?" "No, monsieur, si vous plait, I have tree letters from madam, which will give you one grande satisfaction to read." Then tossing toward Ashmore the letters, with a malicious smile he left the house.
Poor Carrie! When sure that he was gone she fainted away and was carried from the room.

At supper, however, she made her appearance, and after that was over the guests, unopposed, left _en masse_.
What effect Penoyer's disclosures had on Ashmore we never exactly knew, but when, a few days before the young couple left home, they called at our house, we all fancied that Carrie was looking more thoughtful than usual, while a cloud seemed to be resting on Ashmore's brow.

The week following their marriage they left for New York, where they were going to reside.