And the marquis handed his son the letter which he had written to Bathilde long before, and which he had long ago forgotten.
When he recognized his own handwriting, Léodgard was confounded.
A ray of joy gleamed in Ambroisine's eyes. As for Landry, a sudden change transformed his features; they lost in an instant all their severity, and turning his eyes upon his daughter the old soldier gazed at her, no longer in anger, but in sorrow. Pity had found its way into his heart, and it was easy to see that pardon was not far behind.
But Léodgard was not long in recovering from that first moment of surprise.
"After all, seigneur," he demanded, with an impatient gesture, "what is your purpose? For heaven's sake, let us put an end to this scene! Why did you summon me here?"
"That you might restore the honor of this girl, whom you have made a mother; and to do that, you must marry her, give her your name."
Léodgard stared at his father as if he doubted his ears; it was the same with all those present, except the two noblemen seated with the marquis.
"If you consent to this union, Léodgard," continued the latter, "I will this very day convey to Bathilde Landry this house and the revenue of two other houses which I own in Paris; moreover, I will settle my entire fortune, after my death, on the child that is soon to be born. I myself will retire to my estate of Champfleury, and end my life there; life in the city is no longer congenial to my years or my tastes. If you refuse to take Bathilde for your wife, then, monsieur, there is another satisfaction which her father has the right to expect; I read in his eyes that he is burning to demand it, and I cannot blame him!—Choose, therefore, Bathilde's hand, or a duel with her father."
"My choice cannot be doubted!" cried Léodgard. "The Comte de Marvejols will not marry a bath keeper's daughter! And if the bath keeper desires to measure swords with me, I am willing to consent to do him that honor."
A low groan was heard from the direction of the two girls, while Landry, proudly twisting his moustache, said calmly: