"Well, that note. Is that nothing?"
"No," said the Brazilian. "I do not believe in the writing. I must see for myself."
"See!" cried Carabine, taking the hint at once from a gesture of her supposed aunt. "You shall see, my dear Tiger, all you wish to see—on one condition."
"And that is?"
"Look at Cydalise."
At a wink from Madame Nourrisson, Cydalise cast a tender look at the Baron.
"Will you be good to her? Will you make her a home?" asked Carabine. "A girl of such beauty is well worth a house and a carriage! It would be a monstrous shame to leave her to walk the streets. And besides —she is in debt.—How much do you owe?" asked Carabine, nipping Cydalise's arm.
"She is worth all she can get," said the old woman. "The point is that she can find a buyer."
"Listen!" cried Montes, fully aware at last of this masterpiece of womankind "you will show me Valerie—"
"And Count Steinbock.—Certainly!" said Madame Nourrisson.