This notary, who would of course be elected deputy in three years, should settle on a dower of a hundred thousand francs on her." "She can do better than that," said Bongrand coldly.

"Madame de Portenduere is greatly changed since her misfortunes; trouble is killing her.

Savinien will have six thousand francs a year, and Ursula has a capital of forty thousand.

I shall show them how to increase it a la Massin, but honestly, and in ten years they will have a little fortune.
"Savinien will do a foolish thing," said Goupil; "he can marry Mademoiselle du Rouvre whenever he likes,--an only daughter to whom the uncle and aunt intend to leave a fine property." "Where love enters farewell prudence, as La Fontaine says--By the bye, who is your notary ?" added Bongrand from curiosity.
"Suppose it were I ?" answered Goupil.
"You!" exclaimed Bongrand, without hiding his disgust.
"Well, well!--Adieu, monsieur," replied Goupil, with a parting glance of gall and hatred and defiance.
"Do you wish to be the wife of a notary who will settle a hundred thousand francs on you ?" cried Bongrand entering Madame de Portenduere's little salon, where Ursula was seated beside the old lady.
Ursula and Savinien trembled and looked at each other,--she smiling, he not daring to show his uneasiness.
"I am not mistress of myself," said Ursula, holding out her hand to Savinien in such a way that the old lady did not perceive the gesture.
"Well, I have refused the offer without consulting you." "Why did you do that ?" said Madame de Portenduere.

"I think the position of a notary is a very good one." "I prefer my peaceful poverty," said Ursula, "which is really wealth compared with what my station in life might have given me.