Serge Panine -- Complete

ated herself at her secretary's desk, and taking the pile of letters she signed them. The pen flew in

ace, surrounded by a bristly dark brown beard, and his eyes overhung by bushy eyebrows, gave him, at the first glance, a harsh appearance. But his mouth promptly bani

ed aside to al

said he familiarly, appr

ised her head q

hat's capital! I was jus

craping a miserable pittance from the ground for the maintenance of his family. From the age of eight years Cayrol had been a shepherd-boy. Alone in the quie

vice of this comparatively luxurious house, he got smoothed down a little, and lost some of his clumsy loutishness. Strong as an ox, he did the work of two

rmoil of Cayrol's brain. Seeing the prodigious activity of the great city on whose pavements fortunes sprang up in a day like mushrooms,

stock-broker's. His keen scent for speculation served him admirably. After the lapse of a few years he had charge of the business. His position was getting better; he was making fifteen thousand francs per annum, but that was

himself to her interests. She watched the young man narrowly for some time; then, sure she was not mistaken as to his capacity, she bluntly proposed to give him money to start a business

e of prosperity. Madame Desvarennes had drawn considerable sums as interest on the money lent, and the banker's fortune was already estimated at several millions. Was it the happy influence of Madame Desv

eeing her dancing with Prince Panine, that he perceived that she was marvellously engaging. His eyes were attracted by an invincible power and followed her graceful figure whirling through the waltz. He secretly envied the

became intimate with the Prince. He tendered him such little services as create intimacy, and when he was sure of not being repulsed with haughtiness, he questioned Serge. Did he love Mademoiselle de Cernay? This question, asked in a trembling voice and with a constrained smile, found the Prince quite calm

Cayrol, in learning the Prince's secret, resumed his usual reserved manner. He knew that Micheline was engaged to Pierre Delarue,

had a truly royal bearing, and was descended from an ancient aristocratic race; he had a charming hand and an arched foot, enough to make a woman envious.

of Europe. Serge's father had been killed during the insurrection of 1848, and he, when a year old, was brought by his

h to hold a sword or carry a gun, had risen to fight the oppressor of Poland. Serge, during this short and bloody struggle, showed prodigies of valor. On the night of Sadowa, out of seven bearing the name of Panine, who had served against Prussia, five were dead,

efore he perceived that Micheline treated the Prince with marked favor. The quiet young girl became animated when Serge was there. Was there love in this transformation? Cayrol did not hesitate. He guessed at once that the future would be Pan

fficulties. He was able to explain the object of his mission without Madame flying into a passion. But, the explanation over, there was a terrible scene. He witnessed one of the most awful bursts of rage that it was possible to expect from a viol

oosing. He did not go, and when Madame Desvarennes was a little calmed by the letting out of her indignation, he argued with her. The mistress was too hasty about the business; it was no use deciding without reflecting. C

banker awaited the issue of the interview between mother and daughter in the next room. Through the door he heard the irritated tones of Madame Desvarennes, to which Micheline answered softly and slowly. The mother threatened and stormed. Coldly and q

t and absorbed before him; "I see with pleasure that you are le

he cried, that's all. And you know when she cries I no longer know what I do or say! She breaks m

conquered. She fell into a deep reverie, and forgot that Cayrol was present. She thought of the f

n his success. And all this scaffolding was overturned because this Panine had crossed Micheline's path. A foreign adventurer, prince perhaps, but who could tell? Lies are easily told when the proofs of the lie have to be sought beyond the frontiers. And it was her daughter who was going to fall in l

ayrol's voice. He wished to take an answ

my daughter. If he be a gentleman, he will understand that his presence, even in Paris, is disagreeable to m

l not be vexed with me for h

s passed here this morning shall be repeated to any one. Nob

nd he kept his word. Prince Panine

he took a sheet of paper, a pen, and in her large han

eline married on your return, co

t done, she returned to her business as if nothing had happened. Her placid

n in which the necessity of coming to a decision placed Micheline's mother. Every morning for the last week she had expected Pierre to arrive. What with having to give an answer to the Prince as she had p

as if he brought startling news. By a glance he drew Mad

ne with you; s

tood, and with a de

chal; he knows all my affa

rings me here?" replied

one to whom I could speak, or else my heart wou

Prince," exclaimed Cayrol, in

of blood rose to her face, her eyes bri

ut where is he? How did

I alighted on the platform, and there I found myself face to face with a tall young man with a long beard, who, seeing me pass, called out, 'A

d he say

mething on his lips which he longed to ask, yet did not; but I guessed it. I was afraid of gi

ng ago

on here. There I found Panine waiting for me. He insi

svarennes

said, looking at Cayrol with a reso

where I found th

the half-open window. It was Micheline, who, with returning gayety, was makin

ore her, Serge, bending his tall figure, was speaking with animation. Micheline's eyes were softly fixed on him. Reclining in her armchair, she allowed herself to be carried away with his conversation, and thoroughly enjoyed his society, of which she had been deprived for the last thr

a moment, become serene again at the announcement of Pierre's arrival. She remained silent for

s Pierre

u Louvre," repl

'm going

nnes rang the

e," she said, and with a friendly nod

rden. Marechal and Cayrol looked at ea

ut the matter then? How is it

Desvarennes's confidence had I spok

o

which you have taken forbade my s

are on Pierre

only a subordinate, yo

ge. Out of this a serious conflict will take place in the house. There will be a battle. And as the parties in question are about equal in strength, I am seeking adherents for my candidate. I own, in all humility, I am on love's side. The Prince is beloved by Mademoiselle Desvare

sion his words created. He looked at the banker in a peculiar manner,

nd to my miserable existence when I met Pierre. We had been at college together. I went toward him; he was on the quay. I dared to stop him. At first he did not recognize me, I was so haggard, so wretched-looking! But when I spoke, he cried, 'Marechal!' and, without blushing at my tatters, put his arms round my neck. We were opposite the Belle Jardiniere, the clothiers; he wanted to rig me out. I remember as if it were but yesterday I said, 'No, nothing, only find me work!'-'Work, my poor fellow,' he answered, 'but just look at yourself; who would have confidence to give you any? You look like a tra

e twisted his bristly

tween ourselves, every step that is taken against the Prince w

I shall be here to console Pi

you are going to do al

honor of telling you tha

you will not change my idea of your importance.

d Marechal. "It is true that tha

ook a few steps toward the door, then,

t a gru

e shaken without answering, and the

has prejudices! There's