"Usher M. Richard into the drawing-room, and beg him to wait a moment," he said, rising quickly. "You may bring him in when I ring."
The servant withdrew, while his master opened a drawer in the safe near by, took out twenty-five notes of a thousand francs each, and, placing them beside a sheet of stamped paper used in making out deeds, rang the bell.
Louis Richard entered, looking gloomy and confused. His heart throbbed violently at the thought that he was perhaps standing in the presence of a happy rival, and like all sincere and candid lovers, he greatly exaggerated the advantages possessed by the man whom he believed had supplanted him in the heart of the woman he loved. This Commander de La Miraudière, draped in his superb damask gown, and occupying magnificent apartments, seemed a most formidable rival, indeed, to poor, modest Louis Richard.
"Have I the honor of addressing Monsieur Louis Richard?" said M. de La
Miraudière, with his most gracious smile.
"Yes, monsieur," replied Louis, simply.
"Only son of M. Richard, public scribe?"
"My father is a public scribe," returned the young man dryly, believing he detected a slight tone of sarcasm in the last words.
"Pardon me for disturbing you," continued the commander, "but it was necessary that I should see you alone. As a private interview seemed impossible in your own home, I requested you to come to me."
"And now that I am here, may I inquire what your wishes are?"
"My only wish is to serve you, my dear sir, for I would be only too happy to class you as my client."