It was by the merest chance that Trumeau had come on the record of the marriage, and he now challenged his rival to produce a certificate of the death of his first wife.

Charlotte Boullenois, after two years of marriage, had demanded a deed of separation, which demand Quennebert had opposed.

While the case was going on she had retired to the convent of La Raquette, where her intrigue with de Jars began.

The commander easily induced her to let herself be carried off by force.

He then concealed his conquest by causing her to adopt male attire, a mode of dress which accorded marvellously well with her peculiar tastes and rather masculine frame.