In herself, the girl has no fortune, but a certain Monsieur Thuillier, her godfather, member of the Council-general of the Seine, has promised her a suitable 'dot.'" "Who has handled this affair ?" "La Peyrade has been devoted to the Thuillier family, into which he was introduced by Monsieur Dutocq, clerk of the justice-of-peace of their arrondissement." "But you wrote me that these notes were signed in favor of Monsieur Dutocq.

The affair is a bit of matrimonial brokerage, in short ?" "Well, something of that kind," replied Cerizet.

"You know, monsieur, that in Paris such transactions are very common.

Even the clergy won't disdain to have a finger in them." "Is the marriage a settled thing ?" "Yes, and within the last few days especially." "Well, my good sir, I rely on you to put an end to it.

I have other views for Theodose,--another marriage to propose to him." "Excuse me!" said Cerizet, "to break up this marriage would make it impossible for him to pay his notes; and I have the honor to call your attention to the fact that these particular bills of exchange are serious matters.