He had offered to sacrifice one-third of his fortune for the honor of forming this connection, and would have given up the whole of it, could he but have seen a child in whose veins ran the united blood of Palouzet and the Champdoce seated upon his knee.

A marriage of this kind would have given him a real position; for to have a Champdoce for a son-in-law would compel all scoffers to bridle their tongues.
The day after he had received a favorable reply from the Duke, M.
de Puymandour thought that it was time to inform his daughter of his intentions.

He never thought that she would make any opposition, and, of course, supposed that she would be as delighted as he was at the honor that awaited her.

He was seated in a magnificently furnished room which he called his library when he arrived at this conclusion, and ringing the bell, ordered the servant to inquire of mademoiselle's maid if her mistress could grant him an interview.

He gave this curious message, which did not appear to surprise the servant in the least, with an air of the utmost importance.