Now a fortune, title, and the
oblivion of years will aid her in reigning as a mature queen. A
"mondaine" with no entanglements. Paradise opens.
Liberal in works of charity, the adventuress can glide easily
into religion. Once her feet firmly planted, she will "assume that
virtue, if she have it not."
"And then--and after all!" The last tableau before the curtain
falls. The pall of sable velvet. Natalie shudders. She remakes
her toilet and drives to the opera.
"After all, social life is but a play." Her heart beats high with
pride. Villa Rocca's return with the funds will be only a prelude
to their union. But how to insure the half million? "How?"
The count's greed and entire union in interest with her will surely
hold him faithful,
She will marry Ernesto as soon as he returns. She can trust him with
the heiress until the property is settled on the married lovers.
Hardin, when Jules Tessier's addled brains are restored by careful
nursing, receives a document from Leroyne & Co., which rouses his
inmost soul.
Jules Tessier, handsome brute, chafes under the loss of the double
blackmail. "Two hundred thousand francs," and his Marie.
To add to his anguish, he knows not where or under what name,
Marie has deposited her own golden hoard.
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