me at Nice what has been the result of this romantic notion of my ancestor’s.  As it is possible that my foreman may arrive too late to accomplish this mission, I should be much obliged if you would inquire at my house at Plessy, if he has yet come, and, in case of his still being absent, if you would take his place at the opening of the house in the Rue Saint-Francois.  I believe that I have made a very small sacrifice for my friend Bressac, in not being in Paris on that day.  But had the sacrifice been immense, I should have made it with pleasure, for my care and friendship are at present most necessary to the man whom I look upon as a brother.  I count upon your compliance with my request, and, begging you to be kind enough to write me, ‘to be called for,’ at Nice, the result of your visit of inquiry, I remain, etc., etc.

“Francis Hardy.”

“Though his presence cannot be of any great importance, it would be preferable that Marshal Simon’s father should not attend at the opening of this house to-morrow,” said Father d’Aigrigny.  “But no matter.  M. Hardy himself is out of the way.  There only remains the young Indian.”

“As for him,” continued the abbe, with a thoughtful air, “we acted wisely in letting M. Norval set out with the presents of Mdlle. de Cardoville.  The doctor who accompanies M. Norval, and who was chosen by M. Baleinier, will inspire no suspicion?”

“None,” answered Rodin.  “His letter of yesterday is completely satisfactory.”

“There is nothing, then, to fear from the Indian prince,” said D’Aigrigny.  “All goes well.”

“As for Gabriel,” resumed Rodin, “he has again written this morning, to obtain from your reverence the interview that he has vainly solicited for the last three days.  He is affected by the rigor exercised towards him, in forbidding him to leave the house for these five days past.”

“To-morrow, when we take him to the Rue Saint-Francois, I will hear what he has to say.  It will be time enough.  Thus, at this hour,” said Father d’Aigrigny, with an air of triumphant satisfaction, “all the descendants of this family, whose presence might ruin our projects, are so placed that it is absolutely impossible for them to be at the Rue Saint-Francois to-morrow before noon, while Gabriel will be sure to be there.  At last our end is gained.”

Two cautious knocks at the door interrupted Father d’Aigrigny.  “Come in,” said he.

An old servant in black presented himself, and said:  “There is a man downstairs who wishes to speak instantly to M. Rodin on very urgent business.”

“His name?” asked Father d’Aigrigny.

“He would not tell his name; but he says that he comes from M. Van Dael, a merchant in Java.”

Father d’Aigrigny and Rodin exchanged a glance of surprise, almost of alarm.

“See what this man is,” said D’Aigrigny to Rodin, unable to conceal his uneasiness, “and then come and give me an account of it.”  Then, addressing the servant, he added:  “Show him in”—­and exchanging another expressive sign with Rodin, Father d’Aigrigny disappeared by a side-door.