“I shall give my daughter at least—yes, at least fifteen hundred thousand francs as her marriage portion,” declared the marquis.
“His Majesty is favorably disposed toward me. I can obtain any important diplomatic position for Martial.”
“In case of trouble, I have many friends among the opposition.”
The treaty was thus concluded; but M. de Courtornieu took good care not to speak of it to his daughter. If he told her how much he desired the match, she would be sure to oppose it. Non-interference seemed advisable.
The correctness of his judgment was fully demonstrated. One morning Mlle. Blanche made her appearance in his cabinet.
“Your capricious daughter has decided, papa, that she would like to become the Marquise de Sairmeuse,” said she, peremptorily.
It cost M. de Courtornieu quite an effort to conceal his delight; but he feared if she discovered his satisfaction that the game would be lost.
He presented several objections; they were quickly disposed of; and, at last, he ventured to say:
“Then the marriage is half decided; one of the parties consents. It only remains to ascertain if——”
“The other will consent,” declared the vain heiress.