Page:Novels of Honoré de Balzac Volume 23.djvu/148

 or marrying Ursule,” he resumed. “As for adoption it could be contested and I think you would gain your cause; the royal courts do not trifle on the subject of adoption, and you would be heard at the inquiry. It is all very well the doctor wearing the ribbon of Saint-Michel, being an officer of the Legion of Honor and former physician to the Ex-Emperor, he will die. But, if you are forewarned in case of adoption, how would you know of the marriage? The old man is sly enough to go and marry in Paris after a year’s residence, and requite his intended, in the marriage settlements, by a dowry of a million. Therefore the only act that can endanger your inheritance is the marriage of the little one and your uncle.”

Here the notary paused.

“There is yet another danger,” said Goupil again, with a knowing look, “that of a will made to a third, old Bongrand, for instance, who might hold a legacy trust for Mademoiselle Ursule Mirouët.”

“If you worry your uncle,” resumed Dionis, cutting short his head clerk, “and if you are not kind to Ursule, you will drive him either into marriage, or into the legacy trust of which Goupil has spoken; but I do not believe him capable of resorting to a legacy trust, a dangerous means. As to marriage, it is easy to prevent that. Désiré only has to pay her the least attention and she would always prefer a charming young man, the cock of Nemours, to an old man.”

“Mother,” whispered the postmaster’s son to