“I told you there was a way by which you could discharge your obligations.”
“Declare it then, and let us close this transaction!”
“You are doubtless unaware, and I speak to you in confidence, that my large estates are greatly encumbered. I have a passion for play. I do not always enjoy the fortune I have had with you, and—” He laughed as he spoke. “In short, I find myself in very straitened circumstances.”
“I suppose you want your money and want it quick?” I burst out. “I can understand and I promise you——”
“There you go again, Monsieur. I want money, it is true. I was born wanting money, I have lived wanting money, and, I suppose, I shall die wanting money.”
You won’t have any use for it after that, I thought, but all I said was: “Proceed, Monsieur.”
“You are doubtless unaware, also, that Mademoiselle Gabrielle de Rivau, Comtesse de Villars in her own right, granddaughter of the Duc de Rivau-Huet, is my cousin?”
“I have never heard of the young lady, but I recognize the honor of the relationship,” I said coldly.
The Marquis was not devoid of wit. His eye flashed, but he proceeded deliberately:
“Quite so. Her grandfather is my grandfather also. She is one of the richest women in France. Our respective parents arranged a marriage between us when we were children. The carrying out of that contract depends entirely on three people, the young lady, the Duc de Rivau-Huet and myself. It was stipulated that no constraint was to be used, and that, when she reached her twentieth year, she was to give her consent without pressure, freely and willingly. If she did so, and her grandfather interposed no objection, and I desired it, we were to be married. If not”—he shrugged his shoulders—“I lose.”