Why, pray, should I not find a wife for him among those heiresses who have a million or two to give the man they marry?
When I talk like this, it is because I know of an heiress, and my friend, Dr.Hortebise, shall introduce her to you.

She is nearly, if not quite, as pretty as Rose, and has the advantage of her in being well-born, well-educated, and wealthy.

She has influential relatives, and if her husband should happen to be a poet, or a composer, she could assist him in becoming famous." A flush came over Paul's face, This seemed like the realization of some of his former dreams.
"With regard to your birth," continued Mascarin, "I have devised a wonderful plan.

Before '93, you know, every bastard was treated as a gentleman, as he might have been the son of some high and mighty personage.

Who can say that your father may not have been of the noblest blood of France, and that he has not lands and wealth?
He may even now be looking for you, in order to acknowledge you and make you his heir.
Would you like to be a duke ?" "Ah, sir," stammered the young man.
Mascarin burst into a fit of laughter.