"Everything is possible, Marquis. This is our ultimatum—either you will accept the proposals I have made, and placing in my hands within five days the million I ask, you will at once begin the campaign whose success is certain, or within five days a certain person will place in the hands of the Procureur de Roi papers which will be your ruin."
"What do you mean?"
Fongereues was livid as he asked this question.
"They are notes, forged by the Vicomte, your son!"
"Talizac a forger! Impossible!"
"I assure you that it is only too true. Once more, let me ask for your decision."
"I beg you to remember that my devotion to the Society is unalterable. But a million—you know!"
"You understand," repeated Vellebri, "it is a million that is demanded?"
"Yes, I know. Grant me a little time."
"We give you five days, as I said, at the end of which time the proposition I have named must be presented to the Chamber of Peers."