"Alas! monsieur, it is on that point I feel the greatest misgivings. M. Olivier is so extremely sensitive in regard to all money matters, Gerald says."
"And for that very reason I gave my poor brain no rest until I had found, or at least fancied I had found, a means of escape from this danger. I can not explain any further now, but you will soon know all."
Meanwhile the carriage had paused in front of the Rochaiguë mansion. The footman opened the door, and while Herminie hastened to Mlle. de Beaumesnil's apartments the hunchback went up to the baron's study, where he found that gentleman evidently expecting him, for he promptly advanced to meet him, displaying his long teeth with the most satisfied air imaginable.
The fact is, M. de la Rochaiguë, after reflecting on the marquis's offers,—and threats,—had decided to accept a proposal that would enable him to gratify his political ambition at last, and had consequently given his consent to this marriage under certain conditions that seemed incomprehensible to him,—M. de Maillefort not having deemed it advisable to inform the baron of the double character Mlle. de Beaumesnil had been playing.
"Well, my dear baron, has everything been satisfactorily arranged?" inquired the hunchback.
"Yes, my dear marquis. The interview is to take place here in my study, and, as this room is separated from the adjoining room only by a portière, everything that is said can be distinctly heard in there."
The marquis examined the two rooms for himself and then returned to M. de la Rochaiguë.
"This arrangement will suit perfectly, my dear baron. But tell me, did the inquiries you made in relation to M. Olivier Raymond prove entirely satisfactory?"
"I called on his old colonel in the African army this morning, and M. de Berville spoke of him in the highest possible terms."
"I was sure that he would, my dear baron, but I wished you to satisfy yourself, and from several different sources, of my protégé's irreproachable character."