“The nuptial benediction will be pronounced on the 27th instant, at eleven o’clock in the morning, in the Church of Marly-le-Roi.”
This notice was addressed to Adéonne by Bonnaud, who, like a prudent father, wished to advise the cantatrice of the approaching nuptials, in case Eusebe had failed to do so, and thereby prevent the occurrence of an unpleasant scene at Marly-le-Roi. After having read the note, Adéonne said to Marie Bachu, who had come to console her,—
“If Heaven did not appear to favor me so little, I would have a mass said for my happiness, which on that day will be buried.”
“Mine was long since entombed, and I am not yet dead,” was the response of Marie.
CHAPTER XLIV.
On the eve of the day fixed for the marriage, Monsieur, Madame, and Mademoiselle Bonnaud, with their friends, Eusebe Martin, assisted by Lansade and Monsieur de la Varade, went to sign, in the official presence of Monflor, the notary, two important documents. The first was a contract of marriage; the second was a deed of partnership between Eusebe Martin and Isidore Boncain, manufacturer of chemicals, and successor of Bonnaud. Isidore Boncain brought to the firm of E. Martin & Co. his commercial information and experience. Eusebe brought the money which constituted the dowry of his wife.
The notary read the two documents in a loud tone. Then Eusebe arose and said, “Will you add that I also bring into the partnership the sum of forty-eight thousand francs, which I now deposit in your hands?”
Bonnaud and Lansade uttered an exclamation which could not be rendered by any known assemblage of letters.