"He is aware of the misfortune that has overtaken us?"
"He knew of it one of the first, Madame la Marquise."
The marchioness was grieved more cruelly by this than by the money loss; and the notary was thus emboldened to tell her that a gallant friend of his, M. Derblay, whose father had been kind enough to call Maitre Bachelin his friend, had fallen passionately in love with Mdlle. de Beaulieu, and would be the happiest man in the world if he were even allowed to hope. He advised the marchioness not to say anything at present to her daughter. Maybe the duke would return to more honourable feelings, and it would always be time enough for Mdlle. Claire to suffer."
"You are right; but, at all events, I must inform my son of this blow that strikes him."
Octave was not surprised, but affectionately taking his mother's hand, said, "My only concern was for my sister, whose dowry was at stake. You must leave her the part of your fortune you were reserving for me. Don't you think, mother, that our cousin De Bligny's silence has some connection with the loss of this lawsuit?"
"You are mistaken, child," cried the marchioness eagerly. "For the duke----"
"Oh, fear nothing, mother," said Octave. "If Gaston hesitates now that Mdlle. de Beaulieu no longer comes to him with a million in either hand, we are not, I fancy, the sort of folk to seize him by the collar and compel him to keep his promises."
"Well said, my son," cried the marchioness.
Bachelin took respectful leave of his noble clients, and hurried off to Pont Avesnes as fast as his legs could carry him.