CHAPTER XXX.
MACHIAVELLI & CO.
Day was breaking. The Marquis de Fongereues was standing in hisdressing-room, listening with frowning brow to Cyprien, who wasnarrating the events of the night.
"I assure you, sir," said the valet, obsequiously, "that every precautionwas taken, and yet we failed."
"There is one comfort--that Fanfar is every day compromising himselfmore deeply with these conspirators."
"Yes, and when the hour comes, Fanfar's condemnation is certain."
"But if he escapes us?"
"Impossible! We shall have him, even if we are forced to put the entirepolice on his track!"
A lacquey knocked at the door and entered.
"The Marquis de Montferrand desires to see you, sir, on a matter ofgreat importance."
"Show him up at once!" said his master, who added to Cyprien: "Do not goaway. I do not like this visit--I may need your services. Take yourposition behind that portiere."
The heavy folds had scarcely fallen over him when the Marquis appeared.He was a noble-looking, white haired old man. He was excessively pale.
"Monsieur de Fongereues," he said, "we are morally responsible for thecrimes our children commit, are we not?"
"How do you mean?"
"I speak of the Vicomte de Talizac, who is dishonoring himself,dishonors you, and compromises the cause to which you belong!"
"My son is young--if he has committed some peccadillo----"
"Peccadillo is hardly the word to use. Are you thus lenient toward onewho is some day to bear your name?"
Fongereues writhed under this severe language, and yet he tried tocontain himself, for De Montferrand was a precious ally. It was he whohad induced Monsieur de Salves to accept the overtures of marriage madeby the De Fongereues family.
"Speak," he said, "speak frankly. Your age and the long intimacyexisting between our families give you the right to do so."
"The Vicomte de Talizac has this night endeavored to murder my son!"
"Impossible, sir!"
"My son never lies. He endeavored to prevent an infamous act, andTalizac attacked him with a knife. Arthur in return slapped theVicomte's face."
Fongereues started forward.
"Wait!" said the old gentleman. "Hear my tale. Talizac paid scoundrelsto abduct a girl, a street singer. My son became disgusted with theadventure, and it was then that the Vicomte attacked him. To-morrow thejournals will all have this tale. I shall lay the facts before Monsieurde Salves, as it was I who acted as intermediary in the proposedmarriage."
Fongereues became livid. He staggered, and caught at a table forsupport.
At this moment a portiere was lifted, and Magdalena, Talizac's mother,appeared. Fongereues exclaimed:
"Madame! your son is a scoundrel. He is ruined, as are we all! This isthe result of the education you have given him!"
Magdalena looked perfectly unmoved.
"Monsieur de Montferrand," she said, "I am aware that my son has beenunfortunate enough to quarrel with yours. I come with his apologies."
"Apologies!" repeated both gentlemen, in amazement.
"You are astonished, I see, but remember that I am a mother, though Ibear the name of de Fongereues. I know that my son has been greatly inthe wrong. I know the whole story, and I cannot see why there should beso much said because the Vicomte de Talizac chanced to admire a daughterof the people. You talk of crime, of infamy. These are large words for asmall matter. But the quarrel between the young men is of moreimportance. They had both been drinking, and I sincerely trust that suchfolly will be forgotten in view of the old friendship between thefamilies. And I authorize you to kiss my hand as a token of forgivenessand reconciliation."
This little speech had been delivered with such assurance and ease thatthe old Marquis was nearly taken off his feet. The fair Magdalena wasstill beautiful.
Monsieur de Montferrand bowed over the fair hand, and Fongereueswondered and admired.
"And now let us talk a little," the lady said, as she seated herself. "Imust not omit to say that my son promises not to see this girl again--itwas but a passing fever. I realize that, and I promise to use all myinfluence with my son to induce him to forget this affair. But what arewe to do to silence the scandal which will certainly be on every tongueto-morrow? Yes, that is the first consideration. The girl will be freein a few hours, and her silence can be bought. I am particularly anxiousthat there shall be no talk, as it would interfere greatly with myplans."
Fongereues ventured to ask to what plans his wife referred.
"You are aware," she said, "that for some time I have been anxious toobtain for my son a captaincy in His Majesty's Guards."
"Well?" asked her husband, breathlessly.
"I have received the royal promise, and to-day Talizac will have hiscommission, and also the order of Saint-Louis."
This was an immense joy to Fongereues, and from that moment themonarchist--the Marquis de Montferrand--felt that Talizac, a captain inthe King's Guard, could do no evil.
"Forgive a mother's vanity," continued Magdalena. "I have sent out alarge number of invitations for this evening, and as soon as the officerof His Majesty's household hands to my son the commission which he haswon by his merits and the badge of the Legion of Honor, Monsieur deFongereues will officially announce the marriage of his son toMademoiselle Salves. I rely on your aid, Monsieur de Montferrand."
"Ah! Madame," cried the old Marquis, "you are excessively clever, andyou are an angel!"
She smiled.
"Arthur will come with you, I am sure, so that no cloud shall remain inour sky."
"Certainly, Madame, my son will come. Captain of the Guards--Chevalierde Saint-Louis. Zounds! that is a good deal for one day!"
"To-night, then, I shall see you, Marquis!" said Magdalena, as she rosefrom her chair.
Montferrand raised her hands to his lips once more, and took his leave.
Instantly Fongereues turned to his wife.
"Is this true?" he asked.
She shrugged her shoulders disdainfully, and left the room in silence.She went to her son's chamber.
"It is all settled," she said to him. "In a few hours you will have thetwenty thousand francs you need to silence this scandal, and you willtry to make yourself worthy of the favor of your king."
As soon as his mother left the room, Frederic sent to the house atBelleville, by a trusty messenger, the following note:
"I will be with you at four o'clock--shall bring the sum required. Idesire that you shall leave me alone in the house with----you know."
The Son of Monte-Cristo Page 32