"
"And you, father, with all your knowledge of human nature, with all your
wide experience, have not been able to fathom his intentions?"
"I have my suspicions," M. d'Escorval replied; "but only suspicions.
It is possible that Lacheneur, listening to the voice of hatred, is
dreaming of a terrible revenge. Who knows if he does not think of
organizing some conspiracy, of which he is to be the leader? These
suppositions would explain everything. Chanlouineau is his aider and
abettor; and he pretends to be reconciled to the Marquis de Sairmeuse in
order to get information through him----"
The blood had returned to the pale cheeks of Maurice.
"Such a conspiracy would not explain Monsieur Lacheneur's obstinate
rejection of my suit."
"Alas! yes, my poor boy. It is through Marie-Anne that Lacheneur exerts
such an influence over Chanlouineau and the Marquis de Sairmeuse. If she
became your wife to-day, they would desert him tomorrow. Then, too, it
is precisely because he loves us that he is determined we shall not be
mixed up in an enterprise the success of which is extremely doubtful.
Pages:
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227