CHAPTER XIX.
IN M. DE MORNAND'S STUDY.
"Well!" exclaimed M. de Mornand, as soon as he saw Ravil enter his modest study filled with huge piles of printed reports and all sorts of communications from members of the Chamber of Deputies; "well, have you seen M. de Rochaiguë?"
"Yes, I have seen him, and everything looks very promising."
"You may rest assured that I shall never forget your kindness in the matter. It is evident that it is quite as much a matter of friendship as of money with you, and I am all the more grateful from the fact that your heart is not supposed to be particularly vulnerable."
"It is vulnerable enough to you, and that is all that is necessary in the present instance."
"And the governess, have you spoken to her?"
"Not yet."
"Why not?"
"Because several little matters must be settled between us. I'll explain what they are presently; besides, there is no hurry. Madame Laîné, the governess, will do whatever I wish, and whenever I wish it done."
"Whatever did Rochaiguë say? Is he satisfied with the information he has secured in regard to me. Have my colleagues and political supporters spoken a good word for me? Do you think—?"