"I have my reasons for keeping this secret," said Madame de Lucenay, haughtily. "You know the rogues who seek to take advantage of M. de Saint-Remy, and that is the reason why I address myself to you."
"Your confidence does me much honour, madame; but I cannot do what you ask of me."
"You have not this sum?"
"I have much more than that sum, in bank-notes or bright and good gold, here in my chest."
"Then why waste time about it? You require my signature, I suppose? Well, let me give it to you, and let us end the matter."
"Even admitting, madame, that you were Madame de Lucenay—"
"Come to the Hôtel de Lucenay in one hour, sir, and I will sign whatever may be requisite."
"And will the duke sign, also?"
"I do not understand, sir."
"Your signature, alone, would be worthless to me, madame."