"And now let us talk a little," the lady said, as she seated herself. "I must not omit to say that my son promises not to see this girl again—it was but a passing fever. I realize that, and I promise to use all my influence with my son to induce him to forget this affair. But what are we to do to silence the scandal which will certainly be on every tongue to-morrow? Yes, that is the first consideration. The girl will be free in a few hours, and her silence can be bought. I am particularly anxious that there shall be no talk, as it would interfere greatly with my plans."
Fongereues ventured to ask to what plans his wife referred.
"You are aware," she said, "that for some time I have been anxious to obtain for my son a captaincy in His Majesty's Guards."
"Well?" asked her husband, breathlessly.
"I have received the royal promise, and to-day Talizac will have his commission, and also the order of Saint-Louis."
This was an immense joy to Fongereues, and from that moment the monarchist—the Marquis de Montferrand—felt that Talizac, a captain in the King's Guard, could do no evil.
"Forgive a mother's vanity," continued Magdalena. "I have sent out a large number of invitations for this evening, and as soon as the officer of His Majesty's household hands to my son the commission which he has won by his merits and the badge of the Legion of Honor, Monsieur de Fongereues will officially announce the marriage of his son to Mademoiselle Salves. I rely on your aid, Monsieur de Montferrand."
"Ah! Madame," cried the old Marquis, "you are excessively clever, and you are an angel!"
She smiled.
"Arthur will come with you, I am sure, so that no cloud shall remain in our sky."