His honor set at rest by his frank avowals to Madame de Tecle, he did not hesitate to profit by the advantages of the situation.  He allowed her to serve him as much as she desired, and she desired it passionately.  Little by little she had persuaded her uncle that M. de Camors was destined by his character and talents for a great future, and that he would, one day, be an excellent match for Marie; that he was becoming daily more attached to agriculture, which turned toward decentralization, and that he should be attached by firmer bonds to a province which he would honor.  While this was going on General Campvallon brought the Marquise to present her to Madame de Tecle; and in a confidential interview with M. des Rameures unmasked his batteries.  He was going to Italy to remain some time, but desired first to tender his resignation, and to recommend Camors to his faithful electors.

M. des Rameures, gained over beforehand, promised his aid; and that aid was equivalent to success.  Camors had only to make some personal visits to the more influential electors; but his appearance was as seductive as it was striking, and he was one of those fortunate men who can win a heart or a vote by a smile.  Finally, to comply with the requisitions, he established himself for several weeks in the chief town of the department.  He made his court to the wife of the prefect, sufficiently to flatter the functionary without disquieting the husband.  The prefect informed the minister that the claims of the Comte de Camors were pressed upon the department by an irresistible influence; that the politics of the young Count appeared undecided and a little suspicious, but that the administration, finding it useless to oppose, thought it more politic to sustain him.

The minister, not less politic than the prefect, was of the same opinion.

In consequence of this combination of circumstances, M. de Camors, toward the end of his twenty-eighth year, was elected, at intervals of a few days, member of the Council-General, and deputy to the Corps Legislatif.

“You have desired it, my dear Elise,” said M. des Rameures, on learning this double result “you have desired it, and I have supported this young Parisian with all my influence.  But I must say, he does not possess my confidence.  May we never regret our triumph.  May we never have to say with the poet:  ‘Vita Dais oxidated Malians.’”—­[The evil gods have heard our vows.]

CHAPTER XI

NEW MAN OF THE NEW EMPIRE

It was now five years since the electors of Reuilly had sent the Comte de Camors to the Corps Legislatif, and they had seen no cause to regret their choice.  He understood marvellously well their little local interests, and neglected no occasion of forwarding them.  Furthermore, if any of his constituents, passing through Paris, presented themselves at his small hotel on the Rue de l’Imperatrice—­it