He stopped in front of the agent, and, taking no pains to hide his contempt, said,-- "Come, let us make an end of this.

How much do you want for these papers ?" "Oh, my lord!" exclaimed Mascarin; "surely you do not think that I could be guilty---- ?" M.de Mussidan shrugged his shoulders.

"Pray, do not take me for a fool," said he, "but name your sum." Mascarin seemed a little embarrassed, and hesitated.

"We don't want money," answered he at length.
"Not money!" replied the Count.
"We want something that is of no importance to you, but of the utmost value to those who despatched me here.

I am commissioned to inform you that my clients desire that you should break off the engagement between your daughter and M.de Breulh-Faverlay, and that the missing paper will be handed to you on the completion of her marriage with any else whom you may deem worthy of such an honor." This demand, which was utterly unexpected, so astonished the Count that he could only exclaim, "Why, this is absolute madness!" "No; it is plain, good sense, and a _bona fide_ offer." An idea suddenly flashed across the Count's mind.