It was impossible for her to borrow the money.

Savinien went to Fontainebleau to consult a lawyer.
"You are dealing with a bad set of people who will not compromise," was the lawyer's opinion.

"They intend to sue in the matter and get your farm at Bordieres.

The best way for you would be to make a voluntary sale of it and so escape costs." This dreadful news broke down the old lady.

Her son very gently pointed out to her that had she consented to his marriage in Minoret's life-time, the doctor would have left his property to Ursula's husband and they would to-day have been opulent instead of being, as they now were, in the depths of poverty.