My daughter will not have six millions; at the utmost, she will have a marriage portion of two hundred thousand francs, and very doubtful expectations." "Ah, monsieur!" cried Ernest, rising and grasping Monsieur Mignon's hand; "you take a load from my breast.

Nothing can now hinder my happiness.

I have friends, influence; I shall certainly be chief of the Court of Claims.

Had Mademoiselle Mignon no more than ten thousand francs, if I had even to make a settlement on her, she should still be my wife; and to make her happy as you, monsieur, have made your wife happy, to be to you a real son (for I have no father), are the deepest desires of my heart." Charles Mignon stepped back three paces and fixed upon La Briere a look which entered the eyes of the young man as a dagger enters its sheath; he stood silent a moment, recognizing the absolute candor, the pure truthfulness of that open nature in the light of the young man's inspired eyes.

"Is fate at last weary of pursuing me ?" he asked himself.
"Am I to find in this young man the pearl of sons-in-law ?" He walked up and down the room in strong agitation.
"Monsieur," he said at last, "you are bound to submit wholly to the judgment which you have come here to seek, otherwise you are now playing a farce." "Oh, monsieur!" "Listen to me," said the father, nailing La Briere where he stood with a glance.