"Can you tell me what the state of the business is likely to be?" she asked, with some interest. "I ask because, from the anxiety he expressed, I was led to apprehend some embarrassment."
"Well," said the man of business, "he is somewhat in debt to the concern, for funds drawn out in his land speculations; but that is well invested; and, as I was about to observe, since Napoleon and Marie are to be married, that will make no difference."
"Ah!" she said, "that reminds me; is Monsieur de Cheville out of danger?"
"I am not advised," Le Vert replied drily; "but Doctor Lutin has notified Napoleon that he need not keep out of the way any longer; so I suppose the fellow is considered convalescent."
Madame Lefrette made no articulate reply; though the aspiration with which she acknowledged the information was probably quite as much an exclamation of surprise that Coron de Cheville should be classed as a "fellow."
The heavy gentleman rose after a pause, and, making a ceremonious bow, took his leave, graciously informing the widow, that his son Napoleon would do her and Marie the honor to call in the evening. A curl of scorn bent her lip for a moment, and it was her only acknowledgment of the condescending announcement; but it was softened immediately by the reflection, that loyalty to the memory of her departed husband required her to keep the faith he had pledged, and for this purpose, if necessary, even submit to be "patronized" by a pompous blockhead. She therefore faintly smiled a pleasure which she faintly felt, and the dull man's shadow was removed.
Marie entered by another door, as the first closed upon her intended father-in-law. Her step was not so light as when we saw her at the fête, nor her face so blooming; but the pensiveness of sorrow but added an element of interest to her beauty, and quietness of bearing detracted nothing from her grace.
"Monsieur Le Vert has been here?" she said inquiringly.
"Yes," her mother answered, "and left word that Napoleon will call this evening."
"Is Napoleon, like his namesake, a great sovereign," she asked
