Serge Panine -- Complete

onze balustrade, made by Ghirlandajo, and brought from Florence by Sommervieux, the great dealer in curiosities. Baron Rothschild would consent to give only a hundred thousand francs

ing chimeras. On the first floor, tall columns of red granite, crowned by gilt capitals, divide the staircase from a gallery,

those superb carved mother-of-pearl coffers, in which Oriental women lay by their finery and jewellery. A splendid Venetian mirror, its frame embellished with tiny figure subjects, and measuring two metres in width and thr

mbassador, to reward him for the part he had taken in the conclusion of the Treaty of the Pyrenees. These hangings are unique, and were brought back from Spain in 1814, in the baggage-train of Soult's army, and sold to an inhabitant of Toulouse for ten thousand francs. It was there that Madame Desvarennes discovered them in a garret in 1864, neglected by the grandchildre

nriched with bronze, by Gouthieres. There are only two pictures on the walls: "The Departure of the Newly Married Couple," exquisitely painted by Lancret; and "The Prediction," an adorable work by Watteau, bought at an incredible price at the Pourtales sale. Ov

stone fireplace is surmounted by a portrait of Diana of Poitiers, with a crescent on her brow, and is furnished with firedogs of elaborately worked iron. The centre panel bears the arms o

nted from designs brought from Lahore. The panels of the doors were decorated by Gerome. The great artist has painted Nautch girls twisting their floating scarves, and jugglers throwing poignards into the air. Around the room are low divans, covered with soft and brilliant Or

rcessions in his favor made by the banker to Madame Desvarennes. He was a tall, pale, thin man, whose skin seemed stretched on his bones, with a strongly developed under-jaw, like that of a ravenous animal, and eyes of indefinable color, always changing, and veiled behind golden-rimmed spectacles. His hands were soft and smooth, with moist p

There were many rumors current about him. Some said he was the most intelligent, most active, and most scrupulous of men that it was possible to meet. Others said that no greater scoundrel had ever dared the vengeance of the la

g grain and flour from America. Several times Cayrol had tried to bring Herzog and Madame Desvarennes together. The banker had an interest in the grain

, had always refused to receive him. But Cayrol had been so importunate that, being quite tired of refusing, and, besides,

he had formed a high idea of her, but one which was, however, far below the reality; he understood now that it was an honor to be acquainted with her. He w

He, had at once introduced the grain question, but in this he found himself face to face with the real Madame Desvarennes; and no politeness held good on her part when it was a question of business. From his first words, she had found a weak point in

There was no risk. The novelty of the undertaking consisted in the concurrence of the largest banking-houses of France and abroad, which would hinder all competition, and prevent hostility on the part of the great money-han

d. It seemed to her that her foot was sinking, as in those dangerous peat-mosses of which the surface is covered with green grass, tempting one to run

og looked thoughtful, and asked if the young man was the renowned engineer whose works on the coast of Africa had caused so much talk in Europe? On Madame Desvarennes replying

arning that the constructor of th

that job?" said he. "Faith! you tre

e native authorities, to dig up and remove the soil; and these poor wretches, crushed with hard work, and driven with the lash by drunken overseers-who commanded them with a pi

arrived during the dog-days-a bad time. And then, it was necessary for the work to be carried o

looked at Marechal slyly, asking himself if it was a joke. But, seeing Madame Desvarennes laugh, he recovered his self-possession. Business could not be carried on in the East as in Europe. And then, had it not always been thus? Had not all the great discoverers worked the countries which they

they were expecting some one or something. Time was passing; ten o'clock had just struck. From the little boudoir sounds of music were occasionally heard, when Micheline's nervous han

cided strangely with Prince Panine's departure for England, and the sending of the letter which recalled Pierre to Paris. Had the inhabitants of the mansion been less occupied with their own troubles, they would no doubt have noti

ered, "It is he!" and, hesitating, she remained a moment leaning on the piano, listening vaguely to

ce Pa

of her companion. But Mademoiselle Desvarennes was not thinking of Mademoiselle de Cernay; she had jus

ite cravat and elegantly fitting dress-coat which showed off his fine figure, advanced toward Madame Desvarennes before whom he bowed. He seemed only to have seen Micheline's mother. Not a look

s on you; make a sign and I shall be th

asts that Serge had attracted the young girl's notice. She felt herself face to face with a strange nature, different from men

er heart. He took his place beside the mistress and spoke. He hoped that Madame Desvarennes would excuse the haste of his visit. The obedience which he had shown in go

sed over Micheline; she repented not having watched over her more carefully, and cursed the hour that had brought all this evil upon them. She wa

answer to the request you addressed to

nes was about to pronounce were of such importance to him that h

ally in public; but since you anticipate my desire, I admit I am waiti

t before his judge. The mistress was silent for a moment,

some one in whom I have great confidence

may be, has gained my

nnes; "he is the companion of Micheli

Pierre, she pointed

of the lovers seized a hand of Pierre, and pressed it with tender effusion. Panine, with his Polish

allowed his hands to be pressed and wrung in silence. T

" said the young girl, "how nob

it in accomplishing what you admire. I am weak,

Herzog, who was listening with great attention, what was taking place. Ser

son-in-law will become a financial power. And a Prin

each other for a moment; the

ame Desvarennes will never allow

We shall see how the marria

it said that I was leading Madame Desva

dly. "Am I seeking shareholders? I have more m

hingly; "and to welcome them you affect the scruples of a

the young girl's affection for him, when a trembling hand touched his arm. He turned round. Jeanne de Cernay was before him, pale and wan; her eyes sunken into her head like two black nails, and her lips tightened by a violent contraction. The Prince stood thunderstruck at the sight of her. He looked around

are!" h

girl, with a troubled voice

anine, with old firmness, and

eak with you

that is i

mus

sign of the head which meant "Yes." The young girl turned

y the hand with t

ous; it is the day for betrothals. You know how much I love you; do me the favor of no longer repulsing me as you have done hitherto! If you would be kind, how charming it woul

you know," said Jeanne, in

dame Desvarennes

to-day; perhaps I may succeed in your behalf as I have done in

eloquent pleader," sighed the

nne. "We have always been good friends, and I shall be almost a brother to you. This gives

e, coldly. "The attempt is novel.

," said Cayrol. Then

ou! You know," added he in a whisper, "if you

hing your money in front of us. You see it is not invincible, as you are oblig

esvarennes he added: "I onl

line in her companion's ear, and giving her

want to belong to you alone while Serge is pleading with Jeanne.

stars were twinkling in the sky, and the eyes of Micheline and Pierre were lifted toward the dark blue heavens seeking vaguely for the star which presided over their destiny. She, to know whether

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