MACHIAVELLI & CO.
Day was breaking. The Marquis de Fongereues was standing in his
dressing-room, listening with frowning brow to Cyprien, who was
narrating the events of the night.
"I assure you, sir," said the valet, obsequiously, "that every precaution
was taken, and yet we failed."
"There is one comfort--that Fanfar is every day compromising himself
more deeply with these conspirators."
"Yes, and when the hour comes, Fanfar's condemnation is certain."
"But if he escapes us?"
"Impossible! We shall have him, even if we are forced to put the entire
police on his track!"
A lacquey knocked at the door and entered.
"The Marquis de Montferrand desires to see you, sir, on a matter of
great importance."
"Show him up at once!" said his master, who added to Cyprien: "Do not go
away. I do not like this visit--I may need your services. Take your
position behind that portiere."
The heavy folds had scarcely fallen over him when the Marquis appeared.
He was a noble-looking, white haired old man. He was excessively pale.
"Monsieur de Fongereues," he said, "we are morally responsible for the
crimes our children commit, are we not?"
"How do you mean?"
"I speak of the Vicomte de Talizac, who is dishonoring himself,
dishonors you, and compromises the cause to which you belong!"
"My son is young--if he has committed some peccadillo----"
"Peccadillo is hardly the word to use. Are you thus lenient toward one
who is some day to bear your name?"
Fongereues writhed under this severe language, and yet he tried to
contain himself, for De Montferrand was a precious ally. It was he who
had induced Monsieur de Salves to accept the overtures of marriage made
by the De Fongereues family.
"Speak," he said, "speak frankly. Your age and the long intimacy
existing between our families give you the right to do so."
"The Vicomte de Talizac has this night endeavored to murder my son!"
"Impossible, sir!"
"My son never lies. He endeavored to prevent an infamous act, and
Talizac attacked him with a knife. Arthur in return slapped the
Vicomte's face."
Fongereues started forward.
"Wait!" said the old gentleman. "Hear my tale. Talizac paid scoundrels
to abduct a girl, a street singer. My son became disgusted with the
adventure, and it was then that the Vicomte attacked him. To-morrow the
journals will all have this tale. I shall lay the facts before Monsieur
de Salves, as it was I who acted as intermediary in the proposed
marriage."
Fongereues became livid. He staggered, and caught at a table for
support.
At this moment a portiere was lifted, and Magdalena, Talizac's mother,
appeared. Fongereues exclaimed:
"Madame! your son is a scoundrel. He is ruined, as are we all! This is
the result of the education you have given him!"
Magdalena looked perfectly unmoved.
"Monsieur de Montferrand," she said, "I am aware that my son has been
unfortunate enough to quarrel with yours. I come with his apologies."
"Apologies!" repeated both gentlemen, in amazement.
"You are astonished, I see, but remember that I am a mother, though I
bear the name of de Fongereues. I know that my son has been greatly in
the wrong. I know the whole story, and I cannot see why there should be
so much said because the Vicomte de Talizac chanced to admire a daughter
of the people. You talk of crime, of infamy. These are large words for a
small matter. But the quarrel between the young men is of more
importance. They had both been drinking, and I sincerely trust that such
folly will be forgotten in view of the old friendship between the
families. And I authorize you to kiss my hand as a token of forgiveness
and reconciliation."
This little speech had been delivered with such assurance and ease that
the old Marquis was nearly taken off his feet. The fair Magdalena was
still beautiful.
Monsieur de Montferrand bowed over the fair hand, and Fongereues
wondered and admired.
"And now let us talk a little," the lady said, as she seated herself. "I
must not omit to say that my son promises not to see this girl again--it
was but a passing fever. I realize that, and I promise to use all my
influence with my son to induce him to forget this affair. But what are
we to do to silence the scandal which will certainly be on every tongue
to-morrow? Yes, that is the first consideration. The girl will be free
in a few hours, and her silence can be bought. I am particularly anxious
that there shall be no talk, as it would interfere greatly with my
plans."
Fongereues ventured to ask to what plans his wife referred.
"You are aware," she said, "that for some time I have been anxious to
obtain for my son a captaincy in His Majesty's Guards."
"Well?" asked her husband, breathlessly.
"I have received the royal promise, and to-day Talizac will have his
commission, and also the order of Saint-Louis."
This was an immense joy to Fongereues, and from that moment the
monarchist--the Marquis de Montferrand--felt that Talizac, a captain in
the King's Guard, could do no evil.
"Forgive a mother's vanity," continued Magdalena. "I have sent out a
large number of invitations for this evening, and as soon as the officer
of His Majesty's household hands to my son the commission which he has
won by his merits and the badge of the Legion of Honor, Monsieur de
Fongereues will officially announce the marriage of his son to
Mademoiselle Salves. I rely on your aid, Monsieur de Montferrand."
"Ah! Madame," cried the old Marquis, "you are excessively clever, and
you are an angel!"
She smiled.
"Arthur will come with you, I am sure, so that no cloud shall remain in
our sky."
"Certainly, Madame, my son will come. Captain of the Guards--Chevalier
de Saint-Louis. Zounds! that is a good deal for one day!"
"To-night, then, I shall see you, Marquis!" said Magdalena, as she rose
from her chair.
Montferrand raised her hands to his lips once more, and took his leave.
Instantly Fongereues turned to his wife.
"Is this true?" he asked.
She shrugged her shoulders disdainfully, and left the room in silence.
She went to her son's chamber.
"It is all settled," she said to him. "In a few hours you will have the
twenty thousand francs you need to silence this scandal, and you will
try to make yourself worthy of the favor of your king."
As soon as his mother left the room, Frederic sent to the house at
Belleville, by a trusty messenger, the following note:
"I will be with you at four o'clock--shall bring the sum required. I
desire that you shall leave me alone in the house with----you know."