Let me whisper to you that it is quite possible that Sabine will be Madame de Breulh-Faverlay before the close of the year." Hortebise had not Mascarin's courage; indeed, he was frequently terrified at his confederate's projects; but having once given in his adherence, he was to be relied on, and did not hesitate for a moment.
"I confess, madame, that I heard that mentioned before;" returned he cautiously.
"And, pray, who was your informant ?" "Oh, I have had it from many sources; and let me say at once that it was this marriage, and no mere chance, that brought me here to-day." Madame de Mussidan liked the doctor and his pleasant and witty conversation very much, and was always charmed to see him; but it was intolerable that he should venture to interfere in her daughter's marriage.

"Really, sir, you confer a great honor upon the Count and myself," answered she haughtily.
Her severe manner, however, did not cause the doctor to lose his temper.
He had come to say certain things in a certain manner.

He had learned his part, and nothing that the Countess could say would prevent his playing it.
"I assure you, madame," returned he, "that when I accepted the mission with which I am charged, I only did so from my feelings of respect to you and yours." "You are really very kind," answered the Countess superciliously.
"And I am sure, madame, that after you have heard what I have to say, you will have even more reason to agree with me." His manner as he said this was so peculiar, that the Countess started as though she had received a galvanic shock.

"For more than twenty-five years," pursued the doctor, "I have been the constant depository of strange family secrets, and some of them have been very terrible ones.

I have often found myself in a very delicate position, but never in such an embarrassing one as I am now." "You alarm me," said the Countess, dropping her impatient manner.
"If, madame, what I have come to relate to you are the mere ravings of a lunatic, I will offer my most sincere apologies; but if, on the contrary, his statements are true--and he has irrefragable proofs in his possession,--then, madame----" "What then, doctor ?" "Then, madame, I can only say, make every use of me, for I will willingly place my life at your disposal." The Countess uttered a laugh as artificial as the tears of long-expectant heirs.