Stupid, indeed, he is; but it would be a position for her, while this old duke might die any day.

Old men are egoists; his family are always reproaching him for his affection for Marguerite; there are two reasons why he is likely to leave her nothing.

I give her good advice, and she only says it will be plenty of time to take on the count when the duke is dead.

It isn't all fun," continued Prudence, "to live like that.

I know very well it wouldn't suit me, and I should soon send the old man about his business.