III.
While Puymirol was engaged in these adventures, George Caumont wasdreaming of his love. He had gone to the club after dinner in the hopeof finding his friend, but failing in this, he had comforted himselfwith the thought that Puymirol would be sure to return home sooner orlater, and accordingly he went back to the Rue de Medicis where theyoccupied separate suites of apartments in the same house. George fellasleep dreaming of Gabrielle Verdon; but as soon as he awoke in themorning, he repaired to his friend's rooms of which he had a key, justas Adhemar had a key to his, and on going in, he found the bedundisturbed. This discovery made him rather anxious, and after waitingin vain all the morning, George finally determined to go in search ofAdhemar. He first repaired to the residence of the Countess deLescombat, knowing that Puymirol had gone there, but a freshdisappointment awaited him, for the countess was out, and thedoorkeeper, whilst admitting that M. de Puymirol had called on the daybefore, added that he had only remained a short time. George thereuponleft his card, with the announcement that he would call upon Madame deLescombat on the following afternoon, and re-entering his cab, wasdriven to the club. He learned that his friend had been fencing there onthe day before, but that nothing had been seen of him since then;whereupon he made a tour of various gambling-houses, where Puymirolmight have spent the night, but no one could give him any news.Disheartened by this failure, George finally drove back to the Rue deMedicis with a vague hope of finding that Adhemar had returned. But inthis expectation he was likewise disappointed, and after writing a fewlines, in which he begged Puymirol to wait for him in case he came backbefore he did, he made a hasty toilet and repaired to the Luxembourggarden in search of Gabrielle and her mother. He soon found them seatedalone near a clump of shrubbery, Madame Verdon reading a newspaper,whilst Gabrielle was busy with some crotchet work. M. Rochas was notwith them, though there were three chairs. George realised that theywere expecting him, and that Gabrielle had chosen this spot so that theymight not be disturbed. She gave a cry of delight on perceiving him, andher mother greeted him with an encouraging smile.
"Your coming is most opportune, sir," she graciously remarked. "We werejust speaking of you. Yes; I was just saying to Gabrielle that herbrother is very unlike you. You are faithful to your friends, whereasthat naughty boy ignores me entirely. Would you believe it, we have notseen him since the horse show, and he reached Paris only yesterdaymorning. He will make his appearance sooner or later, I suppose, andconsider himself deeply aggrieved if we do not give him a cordialreception. But, let us say no more about that, but talk of somethingelse. My daughter has told me everything."
George bowed, but remained silent.
"Come, don't be over modest," continued Madame Verdon. "You have knownever since yesterday that Gabrielle loves you, and that I approve of herchoice. She has never concealed anything from me, and she has repeatedto me every word that passed between you. It is as well you should knowthat I have always told her: 'My dear girl, marry to suit yourself. Ishall have nothing to do with the affair, excepting as regards giving myconsent when you ask me for it. I think you incapable of loving a manunworthy of you. I shall, therefore, trust to your discernment, and takecare not to thwart your inclinations.'"
This little speech rather surprised George, but he was obliged to admitthat there was considerable good sense in the lady's theories, and hewas really grateful to her for thus breaking the ice. Besides, he couldnot forget that Gabrielle's frankness, far from shocking, had delightedhim, and he could not consistently blame the mother for acting in thesame way.
Madame Verdon added some remarks as to George's father, his own positionand prospects, and finally exclaimed: "I feel sure that you will make mydaughter happy, and as it does not seem necessary to consult her--"
"Not at all necessary, mamma. I am already engaged," exclaimedGabrielle, gaily.
"Then," resumed Madame Verdon, "I give my consent. And now, my dearson-in-law, you can confer with my notary whenever you please. He willexplain my daughter's financial situation to you, and you can explainyours to him. Gabrielle's fortune is entirely at her own disposal. Shehas her share of her father's property, and I shall also give her adowry of two hundred thousand francs. Your father will certainly dosomething on his side, so you will be able to begin housekeeping with atleast thirty thousand francs a year."
"You are too generous," murmured George. "I wish mademoiselle were poor.In that case, she could not doubt my disinterestedness."
"Do you think that I doubt it now?" asked Gabrielle, quickly.
"I am sure that I don't," chimed in Madame Verdon, "and as you love eachother, that is enough. Everything else is of little moment, I havealways been of that opinion, and when I was young nothing could haveinduced me to marry for money, nor could anything induce me to do such athing even now." George pricked up his ears. He realised that the lady'sconfession would not be much longer deferred. "The moment has come," shecontinued, "to inform you of a project, which my daughter has, perhaps,mentioned to you. I am about to marry again, and I am sure you willapprove of my resolve, when you become better acquainted with myintended husband, whom I introduced to you yesterday at the Palais del'Industrie. Monsieur Jacques Rochas is several years older than myself,but I should not care to marry a young man. He is a widower, but he hasno children, and he is wealthy. His disposition and character suit me.I am perfectly well aware that this is no reason why they should pleaseevery one, and I shall not insist upon my daughter and my son-in-lawliving with us. My plans for the future are made. Jacques and I intendto travel a good deal, and when we settle down, we shall purchase achateau not far from Paris, where we can entertain our friends. You willalways be very welcome there, you and Gabrielle, but as neither of youhas much liking for a country life, you had better install yourselvescomfortably inside Paris. Remember that I shall never cease to take aninterest in my dear Gabrielle's welfare and in yours. I even hope tocontribute to your happiness. I was anxious to tell you all this, for Idid not wish you to engage yourself to my daughter without a fullknowledge of all the circumstances. If this explicit statement of myintentions does not displease you, it will only remain for us to fix thewedding-day."
"The earlier the date, the better pleased I shall be," said George, withan ardent glance at Mademoiselle Verdon.
"Well, I can not speak for Gabrielle, who maintains a determinedsilence, but I should like to leave France for Switzerland--MonsieurRochas's birthplace--about the middle of May."
"A fortnight would be ample time to accomplish all the formalities."
"Let us say a fortnight, then. I will leave it to you young people tofix the precise day; still I shall forthwith announce this great eventto Monsieur Rochas, who will feel very glad I'm sure; and that youngrogue, Albert, will condescend, I hope, to lead his sister to thealtar."
"Are you not afraid that your son may be displeased at not beingconsulted?" inquired George.
"My son has no voice in the matter."
"And he loves me too well not to rejoice at my happiness," addedGabrielle, quickly. "He will be our best friend."
"Well, if he goes on as he has begun, you are not likely to see much ofhim," said Madame Verdon, gaily. "But how about your friend, Monsieur dePuymirol? I hope he will act as your best man, or at least as one ofyour witnesses on your marriage-day. He is a very handsome young fellow,and as you two are inseparable, I hear, I hope you will soon introducehim to us."
"Certainly," murmured George. "I haven't seen him to-day, but I shallmeet him this evening, no doubt, and--"
"Oh, I can very readily understand why you did not bring him with you,this morning," interrupted Madame Verdon. "On such an occasion the mostintimate friends are in the way. But, speaking of intimate friends, Imust tell you that there is a person whom you will see a great deal ofwhen Gabrielle becomes your wife, for he cannot bear her out of hissight. That is our worthy friend, Roch Plancoet."
George gave the ladies a questioning look as if asking what was thenature of the bond that united t
his stranger to Mademoiselle Verdon."Roch was my father's foster-brother," said Gabrielle, prompted,probably, by a desire to reassure her lover. "They were brought uptogether, and after my father's death, he could not make up his mind toabandon my brother and myself, for he had been deeply attached to usfrom our infancy. When we came to Paris, he came here as well. He is amost devoted friend, but he is painfully shy. You have never yet seenhim, and never will see him, in my mother's drawing-room, but not a daypasses without his coming to the house to spend an hour or two with me,and he would go through fire and water to spare me pain. He is oldenough to be my father, and he loves me as if I were really hisdaughter."
"Yes, you are a great favourite with him," said Madame Verdon, "butevery one is not fortunate enough to be in his good graces. He is veryfond of your brother, too, but he is not at all partial to me, and I amquite sure that he does not like Monsieur Rochas. By the way, Gabrielle,I am surprised that we have seen nothing of him since yesterdaymorning--"
"So I have found you at last," at this moment cried a clear, ringingvoice that made all three of the party glance up hastily. "I have beenlooking for you fully three quarters of an hour. I met Roch at yourdoor, and he told me you must be here."
"Albert!" exclaimed the young girl, springing up and flinging her armsabout the neck of her brother, who embraced her heartily in return. "Wehave been so uneasy about you!" she cried. "Where have you been, you badfellow?"
"Oh, I had to dine with some comrades, of course. It would not be worthwhile winning a prize, if one didn't celebrate one's good fortune by adinner afterwards."
"Nonsense!" exclaimed Madame Verdon. "Confess that you have been dancingattendance upon the damsel who threw you some violets."
"I haven't the slightest idea what you mean, mamma," replied the younglieutenant, frowning.
"Oh, well, we will say no more about it," rejoined Madame Verdon. "Youare no longer a schoolboy, and I have no right to keep you tied to myapron strings, but if I were your colonel, I should put you underarrest. But I have two pieces of news for you. First, however, allow meto introduce Monsieur George Caumont, who will soon be yourbrother-in-law. We were just deciding upon the wedding-day."
Albert instantly became serious, but a questioning glance which he gaveGabrielle elicited from her a happy smile. "Do you remember what I wroteto you last winter?" she asked. "It is true I did not mention any names,but--"
"I should think I did remember!" exclaimed the young officer, "and I wasgoing to inquire about the happy man this very day. As it is thisgentleman, I must ask him to shake hands with me. I trust we shall begood friends."
"I sincerely hope so," replied George, cordially shaking thelieutenant's proffered hand.
"You don't belong to the army?" resumed Albert.
"No, indeed," exclaimed Madame Verdon. "Monsieur Caumont is justcompleting his law studies. His father is a landed proprietor inNormandy."
"Well, Monsieur Caumont pleases Gabrielle, and that is enough for me,mamma. If he didn't, I would not take him for a brother-in-law."
"My preference has always been for marriages of inclination," repliedMadame Verdon; "love matches, if you like--and you will need no betterproof of that than my announcement of my own approaching marriage withMonsieur Jacques Rochas." Albert turned pale, but did not say a word. Itwas evident that he was making a violent effort to control himself."Monsieur Rochas was your guardian," continued Madame Verdon, drily,"and for ten years he has been almost one of the family. Our marriage isa settled thing, and nothing that you can say, will make any difference.However, Gabrielle's wedding is the first thing to be considered. Iexpect it will take place in about a fortnight's time."
"And yours, mother?" asked Albert.
"Mine will come off next month, in Switzerland, probably. On my returnto France, I shall live in the country, and very quietly."
"That will be best," remarked Albert, gravely.
George began to look very uncomfortable, and Gabrielle had tears in hereyes. "I am sorry to leave you, my dear Monsieur Caumont," now said themother, "but it is growing chilly, and my daughter and I must returnhome. Remember, however, that from this time forth our home is yours. Ileave you with my son, whom you ought to convert to a sensible way ofthinking."
Madame Verdon rose up as she spoke, and Gabrielle followed her, but notuntil she had given her brother and her lover a meaning glance. The twoyoung fellows, on being left alone, strolled towards a cafe at Albert'ssuggestion, and while quaffing a glass of beer, they began to chat liketwo old friends. Albert, who showed himself remarkably communicative,related his adventures with Mademoiselle Blanche Pornic, beginning withthe horse-show and winding up with the announcement that he had dinedwith her on the previous evening at the Lion d'Or.
"At the Lion d'Or! that's singular," muttered George, thinking of thelunch ordered by Dargental, and at which Blanche had figured soprominently.
"Why is it singular? It seems to be a very popular restaurant. We hadscarcely sat down when in came a gentleman whom Blanche knew, and whosename she told me--a Monsieur de Puymirol."
"Puymirol! are you sure that you are not mistaken in the name?" criedGeorge. This was the first news that he had received of his friend fortwenty-four hours, and it seemed strange that tidings should reach himin such a roundabout way.
"Perfectly sure, for Blanche told me an interesting story in connectionwith this gentleman. He was the intimate friend, it seems, of aMonsieur Dargental who was murdered a fortnight or so ago."
"Did she tell you that?"
"Yes, and a deal more. She pretends to think that the gentleman inquestion was murdered by one of his old flames--a Countess de Lescombat,whom she seems to hate. I even suspect that they must once have beenrivals. But is this story really true? I never saw anything about it inthe newspapers."
"There is this much truth in it: Dargental was killed by a pistol shot,but no one knows who fired it."
"I certainly hope it wasn't Blanche. That would rather dampen my ardour.Would you believe it, my dear fellow, she wanted me to pay a visit tothis countess and threaten her, but of course, I refused."
"Threaten her with what?"
"I didn't very clearly understand. It was something about some lettersthat Blanche had written, and which had fallen into the hands of thecountess. Blanche wants to regain possession of them, and she seemed tothink that I could assist her in obtaining them. However, I told hervery plainly that the mission did not suit me, and then she insisted nofurther. On the contrary, we parted the best friends in the world."
"Well, believe me, I don't speak lightly; but I advise you to havenothing more to do with Blanche Pornic. She is a very attractive woman,but there are plenty of others equally charming; besides, there arecircumstances that render any intimacy with her undesirable, and evendangerous just now. Dargental's tragical death has created a good dealof talk, and the authorities have begun an investigation. I know thatBlanche has been questioned already, and maybe she may still beimplicated in the affair."
"Hum! that would be serious; but excuse me, I see over there a worthyman whom I wish to introduce to you--Roch Plancoet, my poor father'sfoster brother."
"Madame Verdon just spoke of him to me."
"Then you already know that he is the best friend we have in the world.He has been devoted to my sister and myself from our earliest infancy.He might have made a fortune in the business--he was in a fair way ofdoing so--but he has come to live in Paris on an income of six thousandfrancs a year, because he couldn't exist without seeing Gabrielle. Wewill have a chat with him if you don't mind. Here, Plancoet!" Thepromenader looked up, recognised Albert, and hastened towards him. "Howare you, old fellow?" asked the young lieutenant, slapping himfamiliarly on the shoulder. "You must take a glass of beer with us. Sitdown. Do you see this gentleman? Well, he is Gabrielle's intendedhusband."
M. Plancoet did not seem to be very much surprised by this abruptannouncement, but he looked searchingly at George, who returned thescrutiny with interest. This faithf
ul friend of the Verdon family seemedto be about fifty years of age, and he was still strong and hearty. Hisstrong features bespoke unusual energy, and strength of mind. His eyeswere keen and intelligent, and his smile had much of the patientsweetness of a man accustomed to sacrifice himself for others. In short,his appearance was decidedly prepossessing, and George instantlyconceived a strong liking to him. "I trust, sir," he said, almostaffectionately, "that Mademoiselle Verdon's marriage will not part youfrom her. You will always be most welcome at my wife's house."
"I thank you for this assurance," replied M. Plancoet, quietly butearnestly, "though I must admit that I was not unprepared for it.Gabrielle has so often spoken of you, and always in such high terms,that I relied as implicitly upon your hospitality as you can rely uponmy devotion."
"Monsieur Caumont doesn't doubt that, my dear Roch," interposed Albert."I have told him all about you. But I have another piece of news foryou--one that is much less agreeable in its nature."
"Your mother's intended marriage," said Plancoet, sadly. "That isn'tnecessary, my boy. She announced it to me this morning. But what aboutyourself, what have you been doing since I saw you last?--more than sixmonths ago--for our meeting at the door of your mother's house does notcount, as you merely said two or three words to me, and then rushed offlike a madman."
"Tell you what I have been doing? Being bored to death--that is aboutall. If you think military life very enjoyable, you are greatlymistaken."
"You doubtless found it very dull while in garrison; but you seem tohave been making up for it since your arrival in Paris. Your sistervainly expected you all the morning, and she is very cross with you inconsequence."
"We are reconciled. Besides, although I dined at the Lion d'Oryesterday, I shall dine at home this evening."
"At the Lion d'Or!" repeated M. Plancoet, in astonishment. "You dined atthe Lion d'Or yesterday?"
"Yes, old fellow. What is there so very astonishing about that? It's agood restaurant. My intended brother-in-law often patronizes it, I'msure, though he probably goes alone, whereas I was in company with avery pretty woman."
"I don't patronize it often," answered George. "In fact, I have not beenthere since the day I lunched with my friend Puymirol."
"The gentleman whom Blanche pointed out to me yesterday!" exclaimed thelieutenant. "But she was at that lunch as well. She told me so."
"Yes, there were four of us. She was the only lady."
"And it was the very day of Monsieur Dargental's death. Blanche couldtalk of nothing else. You may have heard of that gentleman's murder,Plancoet?"
"No--that is to say, yes. It seems to me I did see something about it inthe papers," stammered M. Plancoet, with the air of a man suddenlyawakening from a dream. "Were you acquainted with him?"
"Not at all, but George, here, knew him well." The friend of the familynow looked searchingly at George. "What the deuce is the matter with youto-day?" continued Albert. "You seem to be amazed at everything. Isthere anything so very extraordinary in the fact that Caumont shouldhave known that gentleman? His friend Puymirol was also acquainted withhim, and so was the lady who dined with me yesterday."
"Speaking of my friend Puymirol," said George, turning to thelieutenant. "I am very uneasy about him, for he didn't return home lastnight. We live in the same house, you know, No. 14, Rue de Medicis?"
"Oh, he will turn up safely, no doubt. It isn't so strange for a youngbachelor to stop out all night in Paris," added Albert, laughing. "Bythe way, you must bring him to see my mother. She will find a wife forhim. But I forgot. She won't have time, as she intends to leave Parisimmediately after your wedding."
"Puymirol will be my best man, probably."
"And Plancoet will certainly be one of my sister's witnesses, so thatthese gentlemen will have an opportunity of making each other'sacquaintance. But the prospect does not seem to please you, Roch. Youlook dreadfully gloomy. Have you anything against the gentleman?"
"I!" exclaimed Plancoet. "Why! this is the first time I ever heard ofhim."
"Then why do you look so sulky? Ever since you have heard that he islikely to figure at the ceremony, your face has worn the same expressionas it assumes when you see Rochas."
"You must be dreaming, my boy. The truth is, your proposal did notstrike me very favourably, as I am much too old to serve as Gabrielle'switness. One of your comrades would be much more suitable. The old bringmisfortune with them."
"Nonsense! On the contrary, you are a fetish. We have always prosperedsince we knew you."
"That isn't the opinion of every one," remarked M. Plancoet, pointedly.
George realised that Madame Verdon was the exception referred to, and hethought it time to conclude the interview. He had seen enough of M.Plancoet, and it seemed to him that the worthy man stared at him in arather objectionable manner; besides, he was anxious to find out ifPuymirol had returned home. "Excuse me for leaving you now," he said,pleasantly. "But I shall feel very uncomfortable until I see my friendagain, and as I hate suspense, I am going to put an end to it byinterviewing my doorkeeper."
"Of course," said Albert, "I also must go home if I want to avoid ascene. My mother is just in the humour to scold me, and Gabrielle mayside with her, for she must be impatiently waiting to know what I thinkof you. She will probably subject me to a close examination; still youneed have no fears as regards my replies."
"But where are you going, Roch? Will you accompany me home?"
"It's impossible. I have some business to attend to--"
"As usual. The deuce take me, if I can imagine how you occupy your time.But it is no affair of mine. Good-bye, my dear brother-in-law, I hope tosee you again soon."
The two young men exchanged a cordial pressure of the hand, while M.Plancoet contented himself with bowing to Gabrielle's future husband.The salute was very pleasant and deferential, but George somehow fanciedthat M. Plancoet seemed inclined to hold himself a little aloof, andthat there was a slight cloud between them.
They separated, and George then hastened to the Rue de Medicis, where helearnt with no little consternation, that Puymirol had given no sign oflife. Some serious accident must certainly have happened to him. Infact, it was a much more terrible matter than George supposed.
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