Page:A strange, sad comedy (IA strangesadcomedy00seawiala).pdf/225

Rh maine's example, seated herself, and opened the long, rich cloak of fur she wore. She was certainly very handsome, particularly when the heat of the room brought a slight flush to her clear cheeks.

"It is strange to me that a woman of your education and standing should engage in this scheme of yours," after a while said Mr. Romaine.

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

"You might have married well a dozen times if you had played your cards right," he continued.

"One hundred thousand francs," again said Madame de Fonblanque.

"What are your plans of campaign, may I ask?"

"To get one hundred thousand francs from you."

"That ridiculous old blunderbuss, Corbin! I suppose he has invited you to take up your quarters at Corbin Hall, indefinitely, without knowing any more about you than he does of the man in the moon."

"He has—the dear, innocent old gentleman—and I shall stay until I get my one