'
"'P---, merchant. Absolute proof that his last bankruptcy was a
fraudulent one, and that he kept back from his creditors two hundred
thousand francs. Good for twenty thousand francs.'
"'Madame V---. A photograph taken in very light and airy costume. Poor,
but can pay three thousand francs.'
"'M. H---. Three letters from her mother, proving that the daughter
had compromised herself before marriage. Letter from a monthly nurse
appended. Can be made to pay ten thousand francs.'
"'X---, a portion of his correspondence with L--- in 1848. Three
thousand francs.'
"'Madame M. de M---. A true history of her adventure with M. J---.'"
This sample was quite sufficient to satisfy M. de Croisenois. "Enough,"
cried he, "I yield. I bow before your gigantic power, which utterly
surpasses that of the police. Give me your orders."
Before this Mascarin had conquered Hortebise and Paul Violaine, and now
he had the Marquis at his feet. Many times during this conversation the
Marquis had more than once endeavored to make up his mind to withdraw
entirely from the business, but he had been unable to resist the strange
fascination of that mysterious person who had been laying bare his
scheme with such extraordinary audacity.
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