"Her ladyship, the Countess M'Gregor."
"Let her wait a moment."
"I leave you, then, my dear M. Ferrand," said Madame d'Orbigny; "you will write to my husband, since he desires it, and he will send you full powers tomorrow."
"I will write."
"Adieu, my worthy and good counselor."
"Ah! you people of the world do not know how disagreeable it is to take charge of such deposits—the responsibility which bears on us. I tell you there is nothing more detestable than this fine reputation for probity which brings one nothing but drudgery."
"And the admiration of good people."
"Praise the Lord! I place otherwise than here below the recompense I seek for," said Ferrand, in a sanctified tone.
To Madame d'Orbigny succeeded Countess Sarah M'Gregor.
Sarah entered the cabinet of the notary with her habitual coolness and assurance. Jacques Ferrand did not know her; he was ignorant of the object of her visit. He observed her very closely, in the hope to make a new dupe; and, notwithstanding the impassibility of the marble face, he remarked a slight tremor, which appeared to him to betray concealed embarrassment.