"Monsieur," said the latter, "in this whole matter there is but one
error, but that is cardinal. My daughter will not have six millions;
at the utmost, she will have a marriage portion of two hundred
thousand francs, and very doubtful expectations."
"Ah, monsieur!" cried Ernest, rising and grasping Monsieur Mignon's
hand; "you take a load from my breast. Nothing can now hinder my
happiness. I have friends, influence; I shall certainly be chief of
the Court of Claims. Had Mademoiselle Mignon no more than ten thousand
francs, if I had even to make a settlement on her, she should still be
my wife; and to make her happy as you, monsieur, have made your wife
happy, to be to you a real son (for I have no father), are the deepest
desires of my heart."
Charles Mignon stepped back three paces and fixed upon La Briere a
look which entered the eyes of the young man as a dagger enters its
sheath; he stood silent a moment, recognizing the absolute candor, the
pure truthfulness of that open nature in the light of the young man's
inspired eyes. "Is fate at last weary of pursuing me?" he asked
himself. "Am I to find in this young man the pearl of sons-in-law?" He
walked up and down the room in strong agitation.
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