I accept it, therefore, with moderate confidence, and
will adopt the course you have sketched, not because I look for the
punctual payment of the money, but because Paulina's good fortune, if
secured, will secure mine. But I must add," and here Miss Brewer sat
upright in her chair, and a faint colour came into her sallow cheek, "I
should not have anything to do with your plots and plans, if I did not
believe, and see, that this one is for Paulina's real good."
Victor Carrington smiled, as he thought, "Here is a rare sample of
human nature. Here is this woman, quite pleased with herself, and
positively looking almost dignified, because she has succeeded in
persuading herself that she is actuated by a good motive."
The conversation between Miss Brewer and Victor Carrington lasted for
some time longer, and then he was left alone, while Miss Brewer went to
attend the _levee_ of Madame Durski. As he paced the room, Carrington
smiled again, and muttered, "If Dale were only here, and she could be
persuaded to borrow money of him, all would be right. So far, all is
going well, and I have taken the right course. My motto is the motto of
Danton--'_De l'audace, de l'audace, et toujours de l'audace_.'"
* * * * *
Victor Carrington dined with Madame Durski and her companion. The meal
was served with elegance, but the stamp of poverty was too plainly
impressed upon all things at Hilton House.
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