“Oh, my lord!” exclaimed Mascarin; “surely you do not think that I could be guilty——?”
M. de Mussidan shrugged his shoulders. “Pray, do not take me for a fool,” said he, “but name your sum.”
Mascarin seemed a little embarrassed, and hesitated. “We don’t want money,” answered he at length.
“Not money!” replied the Count.
“We want something that is of no importance to you, but of the utmost value to those who despatched me here. I am commissioned to inform you that my clients desire that you should break off the engagement between your daughter and M. de Breulh-Faverlay, and that the missing paper will be handed to you on the completion of her marriage with any else whom you may deem worthy of such an honor.”
This demand, which was utterly unexpected, so astonished the Count that he could only exclaim, “Why, this is absolute madness!”
“No; it is plain, good sense, and a bona fide offer.”
An idea suddenly flashed across the Count’s mind. “Is it your intention,” asked he, “to furnish me with a son-in-law too?”
“I am sure, my lord,” answered Mascarin, looking the picture of disinterested honesty, “that, even to save yourself, you would never sacrifice your daughter.”
“But—”