Let us first see what our friend the man-milliner has to say.
"DEAR SIR,-- "You may be at ease.

Our mutual friend Verminet has executed your orders most adroitly.

At his instigation Gaston de Gandelu has forged the banker Martin Rigal's signature on five different bills.

I hold them, and awaiting your further orders regarding them, and also with respect to Madame de Bois Arden, "I remain your obedient servant, "VAN KLOPEN." Tossing it on the table, Mascarin opened the other letter, which he also read aloud.
"SIR,-- "I have to report to you the breaking off of the marriage between Mademoiselle Sabine and M.de Breulh-Faverlay.

Mademoiselle is very ill, and I heard the medical man say that she might not survive the next twenty-four hours.
"FLORESTAN." Mascarin was so filled with rage on learning this piece of news, which seemed likely to interfere with his plans, that he struck his hand down heavily on the table.
"Damnation!" cried he.