Yes, he had the audacity to come in person, to tell Mme. Fauvel that, now he had the promise of herself and Madeleine, he would consent to wait awhile.
He himself saw the necessity of patience, knowing that he was not liked by the banker.
Having the aunt and niece on his side, or rather in his power, he was certain of success. He said to himself that the moment would come when a deficit impossible to be paid would force them to hasten the wedding.
Raoul did all he could to bring matters to a crisis.
Mme. Fauvel went sooner than usual to her country seat, and Raoul at once moved into his house at Vesinet. But living in the country did not lessen his expenses.
Gradually he laid aside all hypocrisy, and now only came to see his mother when he wanted money; and his demands were frequent and more exorbitant each time.
As for the marquis, he prudently absented himself, awaiting the propitious moment.
At the end of three weeks he met the banker at a friend’s, and was invited to dinner the next day.
Twenty people were seated at the table; and, as the dessert was being served, the banker suddenly turned to Clameran and said:
“I have a piece of news for you, monsieur. Have you any relatives of your name?”