de Courtornieu did not neglect this favorable opportunity for verifying the suspicions which had been aroused by Martial's momentary agitation.
"It is inconceivable," she remarked to her friend, "that the Duc de Sairmeuse should allow you to be reduced to such an extremity." Marie-Anne's nature was so royal, that she did not wish an unjust accusation to rest even upon the man who had treated her father so cruelly.
"The duke is not to blame," she replied, gently; "he offered us a very considerable sum, this morning, through his son." Mlle.

Blanche started as if a viper had stung her.
"So you have seen the marquis, Marie-Anne ?" "Yes." "Has he been to your house ?" "He was going there, when he met me in the grove on the waste." She blushed as she spoke; she turned crimson at the thought of Martial's impertinent gallantry.
This girl who had just emerged from a convent was terribly experienced; but she misunderstood the cause of Marie-Anne's confusion.

She could dissimulate, however, and when Marie-Anne went away, Mlle.

Blanche embraced her with every sign of the most ardent affection.

But she was almost suffocated with rage.
"What!" she thought; "they have met but once, and yet they are so strongly impressed with each other.