I believe, madame, I have already convinced you that your farms are under-let, and your property lowered in value by general mismanagement; this was doubtless known to Perrin, and set him scheming.

Well, I rely on the same circumstance to defeat him.

I have consulted Picard and shown him the rent-roll and balance-sheet I had already shown you.

He has confessed that the estate is worth more than its debts, so capitalists can safely advance the money.

To-morrow morning, then, I ride to Commandant Raynal for a week's leave of absence; then, armed with Picard's certificate, shall proceed to my uncle and ask him to lend the money.