"Monsieur Cayrol!"
Serge, full of surprise, and seized by a sudden fit of jealousy, went toward her as if to recall her.
"Jeanne," said he, vaguely holding out his arms.
"Well! what is it?" she asked, with crushing haughtiness. "Are you frightened at having gained your cause so quickly?"
And as Serge did not speak:
"Come," added she, "you will have a handsome fee; Micheline's dower will be worth the trouble you have had."
They heard Cayrol's hurried steps ascending the stairs.
"You have done me the honor to call me, Mademoiselle," said he, remaining on the threshold of the drawing-room. "Am I fortunate enough at length to have found favor in your eyes?"
"Here is my hand," said Mademoiselle de Cernay, simply tendering him her white taper fingers, which he covered with kisses.
Madame Desvarennes had come in behind the banker. She uttered a joyous exclamation.