I shall be compelled, it seems, to render an account of Claire's patrimony.

As if ever I kept accounts! It is shameful! Ah! if Claire had any sense of filial duty, she would quietly take the veil in some convent.

I would use every effort to pay the necessary dower; but she has no affection for me." M.Daburon felt that now was the time to speak.

He collected his courage, as a good horseman pulls his horse together when going to leap a hedge, and in a voice, which he tried to render firm, he said: "Well! Madame, I believe I know a party who would suit Mademoiselle Claire,--an honest man, who loves her, and who will do everything in the world to make her happy." "That," said Madame d'Arlange, "is always understood." "The man of whom I speak," continued the magistrate, "is still young, and is rich.

He will be only too happy to receive Mademoiselle Claire without a dowry.