Chapter

  1  5,1|        Sunday too, to call on M. Wilkie. His anxiety might explain
  2  5,1|    interfered with his plans. M. Wilkie had been compelled to attend
  3  5,1|        were sacred duties, since Wilkie's share in a race-horse
  4  5,1|     character of a sporting man. Wilkie really imagined that folks
  5  5,1|     itself. Naturally enough, M. Wilkie sided with the marquis,
  6  5,1|        that he did not even know Wilkie by sight; still, no one
  7  5,1|        to the assertion, whereat Wilkie felt vexed, and resolved
  8  5,2|           2~On this occasion, M. Wilkie - being fortunate enough
  9  5,2|     which limited the course. M. Wilkie seemed to be everywhere;
 10  5,2|      jockey in their turn. So M. Wilkie left the course and strolled
 11  5,2|   accomplished; and that evening Wilkie described his defeat, with
 12  5,2|     secret, the viscount watched Wilkie, ascertained where he spent
 13  5,2|        it. And without giving M. Wilkie an inkling of the truth,
 14  5,2|    fellow himself possessed. ~M. Wilkie did not know much concerning
 15  5,2|           Poor child! my beloved Wilkie! I shall never kiss you
 16  5,3|      Those were the exact words; Wilkie was sure on that point.
 17  5,3|    However, this did not prevent Wilkie from crying and begging
 18  5,3|        he had been instructed by Wilkie's relatives to place him
 19  5,3|   continue his education. ~Young Wilkie's lamentations were long
 20  5,3|          o'clock precisely, took Wilkie for a walk in Paris or the
 21  5,3|         him for a moment. And if Wilkie complained of this constant
 22  5,3|         until it became time for Wilkie to take his degree. He presented
 23  5,3|     imprisonment, by assuming M. Wilkie's name, and passing the
 24  5,3|         door of every career, M. Wilkie now hoped that his pockets
 25  5,3|          held the purse-strings, Wilkie was obliged to follow him
 26  5,3|         now in your own home, M. Wilkie," said M. Patterson in his
 27  5,3|       you old preacher!" growled Wilkie, as he saw the door close
 28  5,3|          glittering gold. ~If M. Wilkie had taken the trouble to
 29  5,3|         on the mantel-shelf. But Wilkie did not take time to discover
 30  5,3|    wounding to his self-love, M. Wilkie was obliged to confess to
 31  5,3|   apprenticeship at baccarat, M. Wilkie found himself without a
 32  5,4|       purse and his ambition, M. Wilkie discovered that he should
 33  5,4|         engaged in? ~However, M. Wilkie did not devote much time
 34  5,4|      mere drop in the bucket. M. Wilkie felt indignant and so he
 35  5,4|      Unfortunately it was not M. Wilkie's noble father that arrived,
 36  5,4|        proved a terrible blow to Wilkie. What should he do? He felt
 37  5,4|        an easy task to entice M. Wilkie from his bed, but the name
 38  5,4|     remarkable perspicuity on M. Wilkie's part. As M. de Coralth
 39  5,4|       won't. Will she ever go to Wilkie and confess that she, Lia
 40  5,5|           Why shouldn't I inform Wilkie?" he said to himself. "If
 41  5,5|        his matutinal visit to M. Wilkie was caused by a fear that
 42  5,5|   sunrise, my friend!" exclaimed Wilkie, as he entered the room
 43  5,5|     added: "I have come, my dear Wilkie, to ask you what you would
 44  5,5|        of several millions?" ~M. Wilkie's face turned from white
 45  5,5|      this enormous fortune." ~M. Wilkie started back in speechless
 46  5,5|        some foreign legion." ~M. Wilkie did not allow him to continue.
 47  5,5|       writing." ~Without a word, Wilkie darted to a table, and wrote
 48  5,5|        again on Monday." ~But M. Wilkie's doubts were beginning
 49  5,5|         you still doubt me?" ~M. Wilkie reflected for a moment;
 50  5,5|    francs, and handed them to M. Wilkie, saying: "Monsieur believes
 51  5,6|          couple of days. He knew Wilkie perfectly well, and felt
 52  5,6|       conclude the contract with Wilkie before he had conferred
 53  5,6|        he repaired on leaving M. Wilkie; and in a single breath
 54  5,6|        if the agreement which M. Wilkie had just signed would be
 55  5,6|          specified. "I must find Wilkie at once," he said to himself.
 56  5,6|          terribly bored, when M. Wilkie conceived the unfortunate
 57  5,6|        the spot ready to pick up Wilkie's hat? Was it mere chance?
 58  5,6|     could concoct some story for Wilkie's benefit, and that would
 59  5,6|          he presented himself at Wilkie's house, looking pale with
 60  5,6|          or for any reason." ~M. Wilkie extended his hand and solemnly
 61  5,6|          was so threatening that Wilkie shuddered. "You will certainly
 62  5,6|          is needless to say that Wilkie signed it eagerly. Not so
 63  5,6|    millions of property." ~By M. Wilkie's excited gestures, by the
 64  5,6| hesitated. ~"Go on," insisted M. Wilkie. ~"Well - when your mother
 65  5,6|     known as Lia d'Argeles." ~M. Wilkie sprang to his feet. "Lia
 66  6,1|          undoubtedly thinking of Wilkie. So this man, this Isidore
 67  6,1|      would very likely hasten to Wilkie's rooms and tell him everything.
 68  6,1|          and shame? How terrible Wilkie's grief and rage would be
 69  6,1|         d'Argeles's money?" Yes, Wilkie would certainly say this
 70  6,3|   discovered my secret; he knows Wilkie - I am in his power. Don'
 71  6,3|       disgraced," said she; "and Wilkie will know who his mother
 72  6,4|       will supply your wants and Wilkie's for more than a year.
 73  6,4|         my power to do that; but Wilkie will do so, later, on, I'
 74  6,4|         in making my escape with Wilkie. He has sought us everywhere
 75  6,4|         want! I would rather see Wilkie die of starvation before
 76  6,4|          request him to send for Wilkie. In less than a fortnight
 77  6,5|     accept your kind offer. When Wilkie was a child I did not refuse.
 78  6,5|       voice that she continued: "Wilkie shall work for me and for
 79  6,5|         her part to have gone to Wilkie's house on her return. She
 80  6,5|    receive a foul insult from M. Wilkie. The latter's cruel words
 81  7,1|        was not enough to tell M. Wilkie the secret of his birth.
 82  7,1|          this task, and burdened Wilkie with such a host of injunctions,
 83  7,1|          So he did warn him; and Wilkie was instructed exactly what
 84  7,1|          the great disgust of M. Wilkie, who, feeling that he was
 85  7,1|             I hope so, indeed." ~Wilkie gave a sigh of relief as
 86  7,1|   families in France. ~Such were Wilkie's meditations while he was
 87  7,1|      engaged in conversation. M. Wilkie approached them, and in
 88  7,1|   herself for the interview; and Wilkie had ultimately decided that
 89  7,1|     wishes - " ~"No," replied M. Wilkie brusquely, and he was going
 90  7,1|          coachman obeyed, and M. Wilkie realized that his idea was
 91  7,1|         them advanced to relieve Wilkie of his overcoat, but his
 92  7,1|        the staircase, he invited Wilkie to enter, saying, "If monsieur
 93  7,2|                             2~M. Wilkie sank into an arm-chair,
 94  7,2|         Greatly disconcerted, M. Wilkie could only bow and stammer
 95  7,2|                 You are Monsieur Wilkie!" interrupted Madame d'Argeles,
 96  7,2|        name affectedly, "I am M. Wilkie." ~"Did you desire to speak
 97  7,2|         but unfortunately for M. Wilkie he could not articulate
 98  7,2|         a wager." ~"A wager!" M. Wilkie wondered if he were not
 99  7,2|      Have mercy!" she faltered; "Wilkie; my son, forgive me!" Alas!
100  7,2|       But you were not deserted, Wilkie; don't say that. Have you
101  7,2|       are centered in you alone! Wilkie!" ~ ~
102  7,3|         sent you here? Name him, Wilkie! Do you understand, now,
103  7,3|   thought you would be happy, my Wilkie. I said to myself that you,
104  7,3|         were never to know this, Wilkie. In parting from you, I
105  7,3|      motionless near the window, Wilkie gazed with consternation
106  7,3|         going to faint!" thought Wilkie, in despair. What should
107  7,3| tear-stained eyes to her son's. "Wilkie," she murmured. ~"Madame!" ~
108  7,3|      before one's own son! Alas! Wilkie, I know only too well that
109  7,3|       was capable of carrying M. Wilkie beyond himself. His emotion
110  7,3|       above human strength." ~M. Wilkie deigned to smile. "Oh! yes,
111  7,3|     about to begin. Through you, Wilkie. I can again be happy. I,
112  7,3|        voice replied, "The past, Wilkie." ~But with an air of the
113  7,4|         doubted your courage, my Wilkie! At last I can escape from
114  7,4|          d'Argeles is dead." ~M. Wilkie positively felt like a man
115  7,4|    country where we are unknown, Wilkie - to a land where you will
116  7,4|          hearing these words, M. Wilkie sprang up in dismay. "Excuse
117  7,4|         impossible to mistake M. Wilkie's manner, his tone, or gesture.
118  7,4|    sorrow and with indignation. "Wilkie!" she exclaimed, "Wilkie,
119  7,4|         Wilkie!" she exclaimed, "Wilkie, wretched boy! what did
120  7,4|       considerably astonished M. Wilkie. "Allow me to ask - - "
121  7,4|      viper raised its head in M. Wilkie's path he would not have
122  7,4|         him," she thought. "Poor Wilkie! Evil advice has led him
123  7,4|         women." ~A sneer from M. Wilkie interrupted her. To think
124  7,4|      Count de Chalusse." ~Now M. Wilkie's visit, manner, assurance,
125  7,4|         cunning she discerned in Wilkie's mind appalled her. She
126  7,5|                       5~Although Wilkie prided himself on being
127  7,5|      would silence and discomfit Wilkie, but she was mistaken. If
128  7,5|          even this did not daunt Wilkie. He drew from his pocket
129  7,5|        What the exact bearing of Wilkie's threat might be Madame
130  7,5|          the code to place it in Wilkie's hand must have chosen
131  7,5|   understand the despicable part Wilkie was playing. And though
132  7,5|       Should she try to persuade Wilkie to abandon this shameful
133  7,5|  dragging it through the mire." ~Wilkie had no wish to prolong this
134  7,5|          people in the world? M. Wilkie misunderstood her silence.
135  7,5|     belongs to your father." ~M. Wilkie was thunderstruck. "To my
136  7,5|  yourself an illegitimate child. Wilkie, you are mistaken. You are
137  7,5|       you by your poor mother." ~Wilkie's face was whiter than his
138  7,5|     American." ~"Then my name is Wilkie Gordon?" ~"Yes." ~"And - -
139  7,6|       terrible accusations, that Wilkie was dismayed. "The devil!"
140  7,6|          Oh! oh! oh!" ejaculated Wilkie, in three different tones.
141  7,6|      rage and disappointment, M. Wilkie dared to lift his hand as
142  7,6|       frightful intonation to M. Wilkie's voice. The baron really
143  7,6|       the keyhole, and seeing M. Wilkie with his hand uplifted,
144  7,6|        only just in time to fell Wilkie to the floor, and save Madame
145  7,6|          from their sockets - M. Wilkie rose, with difficulty, to
146  7,6|          a cowardly rascal." ~M. Wilkie shook his fist at the baron. "
147  7,6|         indelibly impressed upon Wilkie's memory - the name he had
148  7,6|       like a sledge-hammer on M. Wilkie's head. ~The worthy youth
149  7,6|          a powerful hand; and M. Wilkie's attire was decidedly the
150  7,6|          here again, never!" ~M. Wilkie made no reply until he reached
151  7,7|       baron somewhat hastened M. Wilkie's exit. He went out into
152  7,7|     opened her eyes, murmuring: "Wilkie!" ~"I have sent him away,"
153  7,7|          she moaned, "my son, my Wilkie!" Then with a despairing
154  7,7|       assumed gayety: "Nonsense! Wilkie is young - he will mend
155  7,7|          I have read his nature. Wilkie has no heart." ~"Ah! my
156  7,7|        fatal and accursed money! Wilkie's adviser wished him to
157  7,7|          expected to see you and Wilkie enter. A dozen times I surprised
158  7,7|        The servants had heard M. Wilkie's parting words; and news
159 10,1|         brutally dismissed by M. Wilkie, he returned to his rooms
160 10,3| concierge? Would he know it - M. Wilkie's servant? That would be
161 11,3|       business agent, then to M. Wilkie's, then, in the afternoon,
162 11,3|         the son. He perceived M. Wilkie leave the house with his
163 11,3|    Valorsay, and afterward to M. Wilkie's rooms, where he remained
164 13,2|          Madame d'Argeles and M. Wilkie, when he was interrupted
165 14,1|          nearly midnight when M. Wilkie left the Hotel d'Argeles
166 14,1|         be summoned at once. ~M. Wilkie was already far away, hastening
167 14,1|       ask the lady's pardon. He, Wilkie, to be humiliated in this
168 14,1|        disappointment grieved M. Wilkie sorely, although he derived
169 14,1|      promenaders became rare. M. Wilkie, much to his regret, was
170 14,1|         had been derived. No, M. Wilkie was quite above such paltry
171 14,1|    Madame d'Argeles shudder. ~M. Wilkie was seized with terror when
172 14,2|      slept in an attic upstairs, Wilkie was quite alone in his rooms,
173 14,2|          he styled his blunder - Wilkie was so surprised that he
174 14,2|       much exasperated to notice Wilkie's strange greeting. Seizing
175 14,2|          with a kick, he dragged Wilkie back into the little drawing-room. "
176 14,2|          fools!" ~In his dismay, Wilkie endeavored to falter some
177 14,2|        truth." ~It was one of M. Wilkie's greatest boasts that he
178 14,2|          is Baron Trigault." ~M. Wilkie's heart bounded with joy,
179 14,2|       chair, and interrupting M. Wilkie: "I advise you, for the
180 14,3|       such lively brilliancy, M. Wilkie was ignorant of the reasons
181 14,3|          very exalted opinion of Wilkie's intelligence, but now
182 14,3|          But, on the other hand, Wilkie could not afford to dispense
183 14,3|       the project, then," sighed Wilkie, despondently; "but pray
184 14,3| characteristic of his nature, M. Wilkie was already consoled for
185 14,3|   necessary funds." How could M. Wilkie lack confidence after that?
186 14,3|          is needless to say that Wilkie dressed with infinite care
187 14,3|        sleep enough," thought M. Wilkie, with his usual discernment; "
188 14,3|   constitution like myself." ~M. Wilkie himself was insensible to
189 14,3|        last time in his life, M. Wilkie distrusted his own powers,
190 14,4|         horses upon the turf, M. Wilkie mentally acknowledged that
191 14,4|         Vicomte de Coralth! - M. Wilkie." ~With a most gracious
192 14,4|           and enlighten me." ~M. Wilkie had prepared his story in
193 14,4|       and precision; and even M. Wilkie noticed that his friend
194 14,4|          and then, addressing M. Wilkie, replied: "Yes, I consent
195 14,4|         anything but pleasing to Wilkie. "I would willingly yield
196 14,4|         M. de Coralth understood Wilkie perfectly. The fear of being
197 14,4|   loading. "Ah, ha!" muttered M. Wilkie, "it was fortunate that
198 14,5|          He went off, leaving M. Wilkie in the vestibule to settle
199 14,5|      Come, make haste," rejoined Wilkie, indignantly, and following
200 14,5|     greatly changed that when M. Wilkie's eyes first fell on her,
201 14,5|          with difficulty when M. Wilkie entered, and in the expressionless
202 14,5|          to the auction-rooms." ~Wilkie was struck dumb for a moment,
203 14,5|       disquietude seized hold of Wilkie. This sudden change of residence,
204 14,5|      these remarks very well, M. Wilkie evinced a desire to offer
205 14,5|          It was joy that made M. Wilkie speechless now. "And when
206 15,1|        excited though he was, M. Wilkie had not once ceased to think
207 15,1|          Argeles paid no heed to Wilkie's impertinence. "Yes, I
208 15,2|         her narrative that if M. Wilkie's heart was not exactly
209 15,3|         of my only brother." ~M. Wilkie was actually so much interested
210 15,4|       You were born in Richmond, Wilkie, where we remained nearly
211 15,4|       turn his brutatity to you, Wilkie. To save you - for I knew
212 15,4|        with you in my arms." ~M. Wilkie turned white, and a cold
213 15,5|         5~"I was alone with you, Wilkie, in this great city," she
214 15,5|       there together by my work, Wilkie. I was a proficient in feminine
215 15,5|     thought of you sustained me, Wilkie, and nothing daunted me. ~"
216 15,5|     second, but on your account, Wilkie, I hesitated." ~Moved by
217 15,5|        danger he had escaped, M. Wilkie shuddered. "B-r-r-r!" he
218 15,5|        the last? You were saved, Wilkie, but at what a price!" ~ ~
219 15,6|       wished you to be educated, Wilkie, like the son of a noble
220 15,6|          a sympathetic tear from Wilkie's eyes. He was only alive
221 15,6|          a cold shower-bath upon Wilkie's exultant joy. "What is
222 15,6|      immensity of the sum struck Wilkie dumb with consternation.
223 15,6|       than half of his income." ~Wilkie's nerves had never been
224 15,6|        for you. Here it is." ~M. Wilkie took it up, placed it carefully
225 15,6|        brilliant young man as M. Wilkie. "Do you take me for a fool?"
226 15,6|         without feeling it." ~M. Wilkie remained silent for a moment,
227 15,6|      world? ~"Well?" insisted M. Wilkie, in surprise. ~But Madame
228 15,6|          I have warned you." ~M. Wilkie took up his hat, but, though
229 16,1|  Stupefied with astonishment, M. Wilkie stood for a moment silent
230 16,1|  instance, at the present moment Wilkie was completely at a loss
231 16,1|         dear friend the marquis. Wilkie found M. de Valorsay as
232 16,1|         before. "Victory!" cried Wilkie, as he appeared on the threshold. "
233 16,1|         lion of the season." ~M. Wilkie was really too much overwhelmed
234 16,1|         de Valorsay, pointing to Wilkie, "is your former master'
235 16,1|        late count's estate." ~M. Wilkie bounded from his chair. "
236 16,1|     would fall upon us." ~Ah! if Wilkie had only been alone he would
237 16,2|        don't leave the house. M. Wilkie will acquaint you with his
238 16,2|     story for you!" exclaimed M. Wilkie as soon as the door was
239 16,2|      gentleman" - designating M. Wilkie - "for your terrible revelation." ~
240 16,2|   hearing the word "autopsy," M. Wilkie looked round with startled
241 16,2|     affirm what?" interrupted M. Wilkie. ~The physician did not
242 16,2|        trembling like a leaf, M. Wilkie sprang from his chair. "
243 16,2|       found their way even to M. Wilkie's dull brain. "Who could
244 16,2|    Mademoiselle Marguerite." ~M. Wilkie sank into his chair again,
245 16,2|      most unfortunate!" faltered Wilkie. "What a pity! Such difficulties
246 16,3|         my dear marquis," sighed Wilkie. "You would render me an
247 16,3|        foully murdered." ~For M. Wilkie the oracle had spoken. "
248 16,3|        than sufficient to fix M. Wilkie's choice. "Where can I find
249 16,3|          too kind!" exclaimed M. Wilkie. "You overpower me, my dear
250 16,3|          who goes by the name of Wilkie, I am sure, perfectly, mathematically
251 16,4|     Madame d'Argeles, or her son Wilkie, as their share of the property.
252 19,5|          in society. His name is Wilkie Gordon. The marquis has
253 19,5|     should say, however, that M. Wilkie is ignorant of the atrocious
254 19,5|         that the marquis sent M. Wilkie for assistance in drawing
255 19,5|   thorough investigation. And M. Wilkie copied and signed this document,
256 20,1|          times, had gratified M. Wilkie's every longing in a single
257 20,1|       what did that matter to M. Wilkie? The house, with its splendid
258 20,1|         a Gordon-Chalusse, as M. Wilkie styled himself on his visiting
259 20,1|        later on, but just now M. Wilkie was too useful to be ignored.
260 20,1|         smoking-room waiting for Wilkie to call for them, as had
261 20,1|         What a willing tool this Wilkie is! A single word sufficed
262 20,1|          was ten o'clock when M. Wilkie made his appearance. "Come,
263 20,1|        Trigault, who received M. Wilkie as if he had never seen
264 20,1|       friends and introducing M. Wilkie. ~A strange rumor was in
265 20,2|         not got in his pocket M. Wilkie's signature insuring him
266 20,2|       Marquis de Valorsay and M. Wilkie, the brilliant viscount
267 20,3|         is successful. As for M. Wilkie, you can learn anything