"You have a friend," said he, "a powerful friend; and here in my pocket--somewhere--is a letter that proves it." The letter was from Mr.Perrin the notary.

It appeared by it that Dr.
Aubertin had reminded the said Perrin of his obligations to the late baron, and entreated him to use all his influence to keep the estate in this ancient family.
Perrin had replied at first in a few civil lines; but his present letter was a long and friendly one.

It made both the daughters of Beaurepaire shudder at the peril they had so narrowly escaped.

For by it they now learned for the first time that one Jaques Bonard, a small farmer, to whom they owed but five thousand francs, had gone to the mayor and insisted, as he had a perfect right, on the estate being put up to public auction.

This had come to Perrin's ears just in time, and he had instantly bought Bonard's debt, and stopped the auction; not, however, before the very bills were printed; for which he, Perrin, had paid, and now forwarded the receipt.