"In the first place, marquis," he went on, "I am the mouthpiece of a
clever, rich, and influential speculator. This personage has originated
an idea for an important undertaking, the nature of which will be
explained to you at a later period. Its success largely depends on the
co-operation of the aristocracy of this country. He believes that an
old and illustrious name like yours, marquis, appearing among the
originators of the enterprise, would have great weight with the special
public to whom the prospectus will be addressed. In return for this
service, he engages to hand over to you a certain number of fully
paid-up shares, which are now valued at ten thousand francs, and which
will be worth two or three times that amount when the affair is well
launched. In addition, he----"
"That is enough, M. Laubepin. Such infamies are unworthy of the trouble
you take in mentioning them."
For a moment I saw his eyes flash and sparkle. The stiff folds in his
face relaxed as he smiled faintly.
"If you do not approve of this proposition, marquis," he said
unctuously, "neither do I. However, I thought it was my duty to submit
it for your consideration. Here is another, which, perhaps, will please
you more, and which is really more attractive. One of my oldest clients
is a worthy merchant who has lately retired from business, and now
passes his life with an only and much-loved daughter, in the quiet
enjoyment of an _aurea mediocritas_ of twenty-five thousand francs a
year. Two or three days ago my client's daughter, by some accident,
heard of your position. I thought it right--indeed, to speak frankly, I
was at some trouble--to ascertain that the young lady would not hesitate
for a moment to accept the title of Marquise de Champcey. Her appearance
is agreeable, and she has many excellent qualities. Her father
approves. I await only a word from you, marquis, to tell you the name
and residence of this interesting family."
"M. Laubepin, this quite decides me; from to-morrow I shall cease to use
a title which is ridiculous for one in my position, and which, it seems,
makes me the object of the most paltry intrigues. My family name is
Odiot, and henceforth I shall use no other. And now, though I recognise
gratefully the keen interest in my welfare which has induced you to be
the channel of such remarkable propositions, I must beg you to spare me
any others of a like character."
"In that case, marquis, I have absolutely nothing more to tell you,"
said M. Laubepin, and, as if suddenly taken with a fit of joviality, he
rubbed his hands together with a noise like the crackling of parchment.
"You are a difficult man to place, M. Maxime," he added, smiling. "Oh,
very difficult! It is remarkable that I should not have already noticed
your striking likeness to your mother, particularly your eyes and your
smile ... but we must not digress; and, since you are resolved to
maintain yourself by honest work, may I ask what are your talents and
qualifications?"
"My education, monsieur, was naturally that of a man destined for a life
of wealth and case. However, I have studied law, and am nominally a
barrister."
"A barrister! The devil you are! But the name is not enough. At the
bar, more than in any other career, everything depends on personal
effort; and now--let us see--do you speak well, marquis?"
"So badly that I believe I am incapable of putting two sentences
together in public."
"H'm! Scarcely what one could call a heaven-born orator. You must try
something else; but the matter requires more careful consideration. I
see you are tired, marquis. Here are your papers, which you can examine
at your leisure. I have the honour to wish you farewell. Allow me to
light you down. A moment--am I to await your further instructions
before applying the value of those jewels to the payment of your
creditors?"
"Oh, by no means. But I should wish you rather to deduct a just
remuneration for your kind exertions."
We had reached the landing of the staircase; M. Laubepin, who stooped a
little as he walked, sharply straightened himself.
"So far as your creditors are concerned," he said, "you may count upon
my obedience, marquis. As to me, I was your mother's friend, and I beg
humbly but earnestly that her son will treat me as a friend."