I have come to tell you that you are being tricked in the purchase of the Moulineaux farm.

They mean to get an extra hundred thousand francs out of you, which are to be divided between the notary, the farmer Leger, and Moreau.

You have written Moreau to invite Margueron, and you are going to Presles to-day; but Margueron will be ill, and Leger is so certain of buying the farm that he is now in Paris to draw the money.

If we have enlightened you as to what is going on, and if you want an upright steward you will take my husband; though noble, he will serve you as he has served the State.

Your steward has made a fortune of two hundred and fifty thousand francs out of his place; he is not to be pitied therefore." The count thanked Madame de Reybert coldly, bestowing upon her the holy-water of courts, for he despised backbiting; but for all that, he remembered Derville's doubts, and felt inwardly shaken.