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208 Romaine; and then turning to Madame de Fonblanque, he said:

"What do you want of me?"

"You know very well what I want of you."

"You will never get it."

"I shall try, nevertheless. I wish to see you in private."

"Madam," said the Colonel, "if you desire the protection of my presence, you shall have it. I have not the slightest regard for this—person—who so maligned you; and you see that physically I am still worth a good deal."

"You are worth a good deal in every way," replied Madame de Fonblanque warmly. "Still, I will see Mr. Romaine alone; and when the interview is over I will again throw myself upon your protection."

Mr. Romaine turned and led the way to his library, Madame de Fonblanque following him. He closed the door, and stood waiting for her to speak. He was in the greatest rage of his life, but he did not in the least lose his self-possession.

"Well?" he said, his face blazing with the intensity of his anger.

"One hundred thousand francs," responded Madame de Fonblanque, sweetly.