"This, papa Reybert, is the clerk of the notary to whom you undoubtedly owe the stewardship of Presles." "We lack Mistigris, now famous under his own name of Leon de Lora," said Joseph Bridau, "and the little young man who was stupid enough to talk to the count about those skin diseases which are now cured, and about his wife, whom he has recently left that he may die in peace." "And the count himself, you lack him," said old Reybert.
"I'm afraid," said Joseph Bridau, sadly, "that the last journey the count will ever take will be from Presles to Isle-Adam, to be present at my marriage." "He still drives about the park," said Reybert.
"Does his wife come to see him ?" asked Leger.
"Once a month," replied Reybert.

"She is never happy out of Paris.

Last September she married her niece, Mademoiselle du Rouvre, on whom, since the death of her son, she spends all her affection, to a very rich young Pole, the Comte Laginski." "To whom," asked Madame Clapart, "will Monsieur de Serizy's property go ?" "To his wife, who will bury him," replied Georges.

"The countess is still fine-looking for a woman of fifty-four years of age.

She is very elegant, and, at a little distance, gives one the illusion--" "She will always be an illusion to you," said Leger, who seemed inclined to revenge himself on his former hoaxer.
"I respect her," said Georges.