These gentlemen unanimously declare that marriage and the birth of a first child would undoubtedly restore her to perfect health.

You can readily understand that the remedy is too easy and agreeable not to be attempted." "Then," said Cerizet, "it is to Mademoiselle Lydie de la Peyrade, his cousin, that you wish to marry Theodose." "You have said it," returned du Portail, "and you must not think that our young friend, if he accepts the marriage, will be called upon to show a gratuitous devotion.

Lydie is very agreeable in person; she has talents, a charming disposition, and she can bring to bear, in her husband's interest, a strong influence in public life.

She has, moreover, a pretty fortune, consisting of what her mother left her, and of my entire property, which, having no heirs myself, I intend to secure to her in the marriage contract.

Besides all this, she has this very night acquired a not inconsiderable legacy." "What!" exclaimed Cerizet, "do you mean that old Toupillier--" "By a will in his own handwriting, which I have here, that old pauper constitutes her his sole legatee.