A husband of choice E-Book

Max du Veuzit

• Herausgeber: Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Seitenzahl: 344

Beschreibung

Claude Frémonde, orphan and billionaire, no longer wishes to be surrounded by suitors who all turn out to be "dowry runners". Proud and authoritarian, she decides to contact a simulacrum of marriage, buying a husband who will accept to live as she wishes.

Leseprobe

A husband of choice

Pages de titreIIIIIIIVVVIVIIVIIIIXXXIXIIXIIIXIVXVXVIIXVIIIXIXXXXXIXXIIXXIIIXXIVXXVXXVIXXVIIXXVIIIXXIXXXXXXXIXXXIIXXXIIIXXXIVCopyright

Max the Veuzit

A husband of choice

Max the Veuzit is the pen name of Alphonsine Zéphirine Vavasseur, born in Petit-Quevilly 29 October 1876 and died in Bois-Colombes 15 April 1952. It is a French language writer, author of numerous romance novels with great success.

I

- Knock Knock !

Without looking up from her knitting, Mary Jousserand, lady companion in this rich house, threw her clear voice a resounding Enter.

A young maid entered the room.

- It's me, miss, she said, a little intimidated.

- Ah! there you are, Celine! Well, are you happy to be here? The place is not too tiring, she is well remunerated. If you know to be serious and dedicated, that you alone on the fate of yours.

- Oh ! Yes ! And I projects; it is said that Miss Frémonde is very good.

- It is exquisite for those who can understand it.

- And that is why I dared to come to you, miss. You have been very generous to my parents and thanks to you I came here. I wish you never have to regret what you have done for me.

The lady looked at the girl.

- Why should I be displeased with you, Celine? She said sympathetically.

- Involuntarily, I can make blunders; I've never worked in others before that day and I do not know many things.

- It's just ! you are new in your maid functions.

She pointed to a stool at the girl.

- Here, sit down here, kid. We have plenty of time to talk, Mademoiselle will not return until an hour.

When the maid had taken place at his feet on the seat bottom that had just designated him the knitter asked, smiling:

- Tell me what troubles you?

- Here ! said the young girl, seriously, Miss Frémonde control very quickly. We feel that we must understand half word ...

- Well ! you guess what she wants before she opens her mouth. The key is to never respond to his comments.

- Never respond?

- Never !

- Even though Miss is an undeserved remark ... There are cases ...

- Especially when she's wrong.

- For example ! exclaimed the maid with surprise.

- This is necessary and no exceptions. When Miss is not right, it perfectly realizes, because it is of remarkable intelligence! But it is precisely in such times as it must be said, give in, or shut up.

- Well, here's a mentality! She will not be happy in life, the little boss, if it bears no contradiction.

The girl shook her head with disapproval of air that spoke volumes about his thoughts.

- We need to realize what Miss Frémonde, 'said the old lady firmly. His father was one of the richest men in France and he loved his daughter. At eleven, the girl had a personal budget of a thousand francs a month for her small pleasures. At fifteen, the same amount was paid to him every week, and the teenager thought it was meager to satisfy every whim or spread his gifts. For Miss Frémonde is generous much as prodigal. Money slips through her fingers she wants without realizing how it goes.

Celine now opened wide eyes.

- So much money! she asked, bewildered. We can not imagine that a woman who spends without counting!

Miss Jousserand smiled.

- Who knows Claude Frémonde, this money is secondary fragmentation. She is prodigiously rich, it is natural that it sows its revenue to the four winds. What is less clear is how this fortune reacted on his character.

- Miss is original, I bet?

The Knitter nodded.

- It is above all independent and voluntary. It does not occur to her that there is to it legal or illegal things. His good pleasure is the law. If it does not hurt, is that she does not feel the need. It is fundamentally right. But I'm sure if she was tempted to do something stupid act, no advice nor any human will in the turn away.

- It is inconceivable!

- What has been lacking to this child is a mother ... She had lost hers when she had not yet reached his eleven years since, no authority has weighed on his youthful desire. His father did not allow anyone to annoy! When, after the death of his wife, he called to her to be his housekeeper, he said he did not want the child was forced or saddened. By all means, I had to make her happy and satisfy all his desires ... A tear of her and I would lose my place! However, all his smiles would be worth me gratuities ...

The old lady paused to sigh.

- I accepted this program, she added. The place was well remunerated and had my mother that my big salary allowed many sweets ... I was also hoping to do good to this little being that flouted so miserably.

- And it worked ?

- Yes, I've never upset, which did not prevent me to attach myself to it and not wanting to leave.

- What she had to make you see!

- Not too: the bottom was good.

- But when she committed some stupidity, how you doing? Celine insisted.

- Well ! I did notice him gently, and common sense often put away in my opinion.

- Still, she is not married! It proves that his character ...

But the housekeeper quickly interrupted the maid:

- His character was never discussed with anyone. If our young boss is not married is that it has not accepted any of the suitors who tried to soften!

Celine had an ambiguous smile.

- This is the first time I hear that a woman does not get married! She remarked incredulously.

- And why should she desire? retorted Mary Jousserand with fire. Four years since his father died, we went from one end of the world to another, alongside all backgrounds and races. That's what takes away some illusions! With the wealth it possesses, Miss Claude trailed after him all possible suitors.

- That much ?

- She had only to open his eyes to see around her twenty suitors watching his every move.

- And none pleased him?

The housekeeper made a vague gesture.

- Poor kid, which one weighs the big bucks! she asked sadly. How could she believe in true love? All her friends rich, married before she is unhappy. It seems that a loyal husband does not exist for a gifted orphan fortune.

Celina approved, any thoughtful:

- It is also difficult for a man not to become intoxicated by so much money!

- Obviously, men are excusable. Women have the same dizziness before the jewelry and the toilet! Also, my little Claude, who is intelligent and healthy judge things, do not hurry to put the rope around his neck.

The girl was a significant pout.

- It will remain an old maid! She said in a tone that seemed to prophesy disaster.

- It is not always unpleasant, gently remarked the old lady. I am very happy, me! And as Miss Frémonde feel myself at her side, she is right to remain free and independent: it is his best time!

- Obviously, the maid said thoughtfully. When a woman can afford anything she wants, a husband is not exactly necessary.

At that time, there were doors noises suddenly opened in the spacious apartment that Miss Frémonde occupied with his retinue, Avenue du Bois de Boulogne.

The lady companion motioned for Celine to go.

- Here Miss; file quickly to your work. It is unnecessary that you found unoccupied.

The servant had barely disappeared as the living room door opened and a tall girl, encased in a large sable coat, appeared.

- As hot here when you get outside!

She threw her hat and gloves on a chair.

- You had cold, wood? asked Mary Jousserand.

- No not too much ! I made a good walk. There was frost on the trees and the wind was blushing nose; but how the market looks good in this weather! You were wrong, Jousserand, not with me.

- I become cautious with age, made it a apologetically. I preferred to work for your small protected; you see it coming ...!

She pointed her knitting, Claude took that and examined.

- My brave Jousserand, you win us the sky with your hands. Fortunately, you are braver than me. I do not like sewing and handicrafts.

- Bah! When you're my age ...

- Yes, I will practice less skating and walking, sure, she remarked cheerfully. As knitting by the fire? Hum! It will truly I change!

She laughed at the prospect.

Then, without transition:

- Nothing new in the mail?

- Nothing !

- We came home Alice?

- Your dress is up there.

- I also was expecting a shipment of books.

- They're here, too.

- Perfect. You called the Casino de Paris?

- Yes. You have the desired foreground.

- This is great, we will marvel to see Maurice Chevalier to his return, after so many years of absence. It should not be very young, the beautiful Mauritius!

Mary smiled Jousserand:

- Actually, Claude, age Maurice Chevalier worry you?

- That to me is perfectly equal, the girl replied with conviction.

Then, with a sigh:

- But it or something. When we do not know how to kill time!

And crossing his arms, standing in front of the lady companion:

- Ah! Jousserand, as time seems long when one has no purpose and that we know what to do!

- traveling.

- Winter sports or the Riviera! Thank you well, it's always the same.

- Let us go.

- Traveling does not tempt me. No, really, it's still in Paris that is best in winter. Paris! my beautiful Paris!

- Why you are bored, then?

- Ah! Yes why ? She said, slowly removing his coat.

And thoughtfully, eyes unfocused:

- You never know why a girl of twenty-three years, rich, free and healthy, sometimes bothers to die?

- Come on, Claude, what is this sad thoughts lately? Do you have trouble, sorrow?

- Oh ! No, said the girl shrugged. I have no reason to express. Only this: I feel like wasting my life and foolishly wasting my time ... Whatever I do: pleasure, work or walk, there is emptiness inside me with the sensation of nothingness, of uselessness of things ... It's not all fun an impression like that.

We must react, little ... Maybe even more than thinking the humble, the poor, you feel useful ... It takes so little to be happy with yourself!

- You are preaching to the converted, Jousserand! You know that I give a lot to charity ...

- If you yourself visiting your protected?

The girl stifled a yawn.

- I tried: I can not get interested in their little problems. When poor people start complaining, I have an idea: cover the money that they no longer suffer, and quickly, spinning far from them to not hear their lamentations or see their mediocrity . It's scary, but I think I have more heart.

- It would be a shame, my brave Claude, smiled, made the companion, because so far I've never uses it without either been extremely compassionate.

- Yes, give, give always! I know doing it! This should be good though sometimes receive.

She paused thoughtfully, and sighed. Then, suddenly, shaking his shoulders as to prevent a burden:

- But let that, she said. How many would like to be in my place! And I dare complain of being too stubbornly happy! Phew! I return to my books are still best friends!

- You read too much, it's your imagination.

- But with my books, no disappointment: the heroes are beautiful, the Delightful princes are all loyal and brave. As for girls, they always happiness to spare. You see, Jousserand is even through a book that life really seems to me beautiful. On this, goodbye, my old friend; I will find you, just now, at dinner.

II

- Come Jousserand, wake up! I have very important things to tell you this morning!

The old lady parted her flashing eyes under the harsh light of morning day.

- What time is he, Claude, you are up before me?

- It's eight o'clock, my old friend.

- Ah well ! eight hours !

And suddenly, standing on his bed:

- My God ! what a catastrophe it he has to keep you out of your bed so good morning?

- No disaster, but of happiness, hope! Ah! Jousserand my good, as I was anxious to see you ... to tell you! I will not miss! I have a goal! Life is Beautiful !

- What are you telling me?

- The truth Jousserand! It's exciting, I will live a romance.

- Huh?

- Yes, I will be the heroine of a wonderful adventure; I'm crazy with happiness.

The girl nervously pacing the room comfortable for her companion, striding forward, eager to escape too narrow limits of this closed room. The arms were moving, punctuating his words. Her whole being seethed in an intimate thought that obviously upset her.

Miss Jousserand was obviously not on the same wavelength as his delightful companion, whose harmonious shapes appeared sculptural under the satin pajamas.

After yawning and having stretched blissfully, she said, her husky voice and without any enthusiasm:

- Well, Claude, what is this wonderful news that you could not wait to tell me?

- I'm getting married, Jousserand! I decided to take a husband!

- Ouch! said the old girl. I knew that an idea so overflowing impulsively could not hold that the nightmare.

- How the nightmare! Ah! here, Jousserand, wake up! I tell you I got married and I'm going to live a real novel; this is not a vision of your dreams, I think!

But Mary Jousserand would not listen.

- I slept so well, Claude! And it is to tell me a stupid story you pull me dreamland?

- For example ! cried the girl impatiently. Do you understand me, dear old thing, as my friend Bonny? Who do you want me to talk about my hopes and my projects, if not to you, my father placed with me just to support me and encourage me in any serious acts of my life?

Then, tapping his foot a little tune angry, she remarked unkindly:

- Really, I wonder what you are good if today, you can not hear me without ridicule!

The lady companion did not flinch under this deluge of reproaches.

At half facing the head of her bed, she shook her snug pillow and went back on the bolster.

Then, wedging it although her bust, she quietly encouraged Claude:

- Go ahead, kid. I'm all eyes and ears to hear your fantastic story.

- Oh ! Jousserand! You had me jump with your subversive adjectives, if I knew how, in fact, devoted you are to me! I tell you that I have decided to get married!

- I understand that. And I wonder what is the unfortunate mortal against whom you make this decision?

Claude made a gesture of indifference.

- Husband matter ...

- Huh! I thought it was exciting point in a marriage proposal.

A disdainful pout lips clenched proud of Claude.

- A husband ! It is like grass between paving stones. You know, Jousserand, I have to choose.

- Exactly. So far, none has found favor with you.

- Because all claimed to love me, while they were only after my father's legacy.

- And you found one that we can not be suspected of running the same goal?

- Not at all ! It would look a rose in a thistle bush. I had too many disappointments to still believe in the disinterestedness of a suitor.

- Come on, quietly saw the old girl, you are talking nonsense unless your input matter was the fear first.

- Listen, before you rejoice! Claude protested with a mysterious smile.

And no illusions about the fate that old daughter was going to do to her statements, she added, mischievously:

- Prepare your cries of outrage, my good Jousserand I did not marry a little man who speaks of love for better roll me. No ! On the contrary, I marry a husband that I buy and the feelings which I do not care no illusions.

- A husband she buys!

Marie Jousserand had risen to better stare her companion.

- Ideally, a husband who is this or that, that makes a certain thing at my convenience, not because he loves me or tell me to love, but simply because I pay for this or for that.

- A husband it pays for him to do what she wants. Oh, my poor head! It is this?

- I think, Claude made with the utmost seriousness, that if it does not exist in general, simply create it for it to become quickly a generality.

- And it is you who are serious about creating a precedent in such matters?

- Here ! Yes it's me ! nodded the girl with a beautiful casually.

And sitting on the edge of the bed, legs crossed and hands on knees, she explained very calmly:

- You know that for several months I like to read foreign authors in their own language. So I threw myself into hungry on Spanish books. And last night, in particular, I read one of these books ...

- What has this to do Spanish literature?

- Almost nothing ; but it is by reading this novel laid by the brain of a modern Cervantes, that the idea of ​​buying a husband came to me. I dreamed all night.

- This brave about the Iberian republic might well have to refrain from disturbing your brains.

- But you do not understand, Jousserand, it's a genius idea that reading this book I suggested! Buy a husband is to say that I selected on a particular model I have in mind. I pay for that ...

- Yes, you've said. The challenge will be to unearth the rare bird who is willing to do your every whim.

But it was not to embarrass the girl.

- By putting the price there, she affirmed with evident sincerity, it should not be impossible.

The lady companion raised his arms to heaven. And almost angrily:

- I hope, if she cried, that Providence will sow you so many obstacles on the road that you will never meet a man so vile to accept such a market.

The remarks of the old girl started to warm Claude, who protested with vivacity:

- You think a guy who says, "I like it" and think "I pocketed" is much cleaner than that agrees to faithfully fulfill the terms of a deal?

Go and meet such an argument!

The lady companion began to look with dismay the orphan, the serious face and decided the air said the deep conviction.

- My poor little Claude, she said, shaking his head, I know not why fight this new eccentricity goes through your brain. You should say that marriage is too important for us to stay put her life on a crazy idea of ​​romance.

- Marriage is a very sad thing, in the present state of our morals, bitterly remarked the girl.

- But it is also the best state for serious woman.

- This is why I strongly considering getting married; I'm twenty three...

- And the suitors do not miss! Among them is a good family that offer serious qualities.

Claude rose impatiently.

- The qualities of these contenders resemble those of various brands of sardines are less famous, the more one praises the wide publicity in closets. Thank you fiancés in rancid oil, under pompous names. I found a way that is acceptable to me and I think good. If I can not find the white blackbird my new way to get him, it will be time to give up.

The old woman looked up at the sky with discouragement.

- What about you again, my poor child? She said, really sorry, before the impotence of his advice.

- Nothing but congratulations, my old friend. Rejoice instead I'm going to marry a husband chosen by me, so for my taste!

But the other was not at all convinced.

- Let us rejoice because joy is in the agenda, replied she mournfully.

She piteous look.

- And then she continued softly, it is through the newspapers ... by an ad you expect ... buy this husband?

Claude laughed and laughed and fresh young denoted a remote control of any indecision.

- Oh ! Jousserand, you amuse me! Can you see me wearing such an announcement in a newspaper and wait for the results at the post office?

- You prefer to spread your desire among your suitors?

- What you therefore have a poor imagination! noticed the girl cheerfully.

She rose and stood before the High ice three faces that indefinitely referred her image, she stretched luxuriously.

- I leave you, my little Jousserand, to move it not to "Select Agency" which is the most serious dating agency we have in France.

The old lady had jumped:

- An agency ! Claude, that's impossible! My little girl, do not embark on such an adventure! ...

But laughter kid girl had no regard for the trances of the companion.

- Be quiet, Jousserand friend, I will keep you posted, as if sincerely rejoice with me.

And mischievous, with a kiss sent fingertips to the old girl distraught young millionaire disappeared.

III

"Select Agency" near which Claude Frémonde drove, was located in one of the few quiet streets of the Opera district.

Universally known for several decades, this matrimonial agency had an unrivaled reputation to boot, honestly and in legal form, many unions.

They cited the high awareness of its director, his honesty that made him a valuable contributor in achieving the matrimonial projects we entrusted him. Finally, it was claimed that with a full service information, good faith customers had never surprise and that marriages negotiated by care "Select Agency" were generally well matched unions.

Since 1920, that is to say, for a dozen years, this marriage agency had expanded considerably.

The poor quality of postwar marriages, bad faith of the spouses trying to fool each other, the big disappointment of under thirty who perceived not to have been smarter than their elders; the price of life, which in its meteoric rise, changing the wings of love in a perpetual nightmare spending, notes payable and bitter reproaches; short, the horror that everyone was beginning to feel for a ball and chain increasingly disappointing and hard to bear, everything had allowed "Select Agency" to significantly expand and make an important and almost indispensable place in this modern society, selfish, pleasure-and, after all, good child.

With "Select Agency", there was no surprise.

We knew exactly the age of his bride, the state of his stomach and the criminal record of his family. Girls no longer ignorant of the actual gain their suitors, their spendthrift habits and appetite, and their ways of breaking with women.

And this mutual knowledge allowed each to marry according to his taste or temperament, without fear of being disappointed.

We knew where it was going, and if the marriage was devoid of a little poetry, at least he had all the guarantees of sincerity and confidence. And all the more so that a careful examination by a doctor attached to incorruptible "Select Agency", was imposed on all candidates for marriage and amounted to prenuptial certificate demanded in vain in the House by the medical profession.

Both reputable Claude had won, and that's without any ulterior motive, after leaving his car to avoid drawing on its approach to the attention of his driver, she won walk the halls of "Select Agency "where the girl asked for the manager himself.

There was like a little flutter before she should obtain to be in the presence of this important person who received only by appointment and only in cases especially interesting.

But Claude Frémonde were arguments that people rarely resisted. And above all, she was beautiful girl wearing a fur prices and wore a small tone of command which it seemed difficult to oppose.

When she slipped a blue ticket in hand the office boy, who became obsequious right away, she was certain to be introduced.

Mr. Michot was a man of fifty years of discreet elegance and indisputable and which, by its very position forcing the best dating, was a true gentleman.

With him, it was far Directors marriage agencies in the past.

After waiting for the visitor, as appropriate, a dozen minutes he received it with the utmost courtesy.

His eye, used to gauge men and women attending its establishment, realized immediately the importance of the young visitor. He understood that this was no ordinary client.

The girl was too pretty and too elegant to actually be looking for a husband found. The little haughty head, disdainful lip, despite the full frank smile, should have rather used to ward off suitors than the desire to enter a costs.

And Mr. Michot put in his tone, all his affability to reassure the unknown young and give them confidence.

Claude also felt, immediately, great confidence in the man she had seen.

- I insisted to be received by you, sir, because it brings me is very personal and I need your discretion.

- It is acquired to all visitors, whoever they are, ma'am. When you know better "Select Agency", lounges and staff, you will find that you can talk in confidence here.

The man's voice was calm, serious, relaxed, and Claude in truly suffers the soothing charm.

- I do not want less to transact business with you, she insisted with his most gracious smile.

She had thought that "Select Agency", it would only dictate terms and widely open his purse; but from the beginning, she felt for the effective collaboration of the important guiding it to be done if his authority and guidance.

- I am at your service, madam, he asserted. If you could explain to me in detail your wishes and pretensions, I will try to give you complete satisfaction.

The girl's head was so full of her that she had no difficulty in submitting his wishes to the director of "Select Agency".

She wanted a husband who was this or that ... The physical did not matter, provided it was sufficiently large size and nice enough to face.

But what she wanted most of all was: education.

She wanted a husband who was good company, educated, kind, attentive and gentleman of absolute moral and material blamelessness.

Finally, it limited in advance their relationship: she and her husband should live as good comrades, user vis-a-vis one another the utmost courtesy, be morally united by the same tastes, same interests and mutual trust. She counted on her mate to defend when necessary and treat under all circumstances as a dear friend; but then would stop their relationship. Claude did not undergo the influence of man ... at least as long as she does not know her husband thoroughly and would not be absolutely certain to definitely make the companion of his life. She pretended to remain master of his body and not be bothered by gallantry or the desires of a husband enamored ... Later, perhaps? But this later

So far, Mr. Michot had listened silently approving of the head, the various wishes of his beautiful client: all seemed achievable him.

In recent pretensions, however, he frowned.

- I prefer to tell you right away, miss, that this last condition seems difficult. What sensible man, loyal and honorable, as you wish, accept this clause? One of two things: either one, he will experience for you than indifference and seek his pleasure outside of you ... and that's you, then, that you complain of her coldness. Or, secondly, he will hold to you and will want to forge closer ties with you.

Claude was instinctively a grimace of disgust that made her smile Mr. Michot.

- Put yourself for a few seconds, miss, instead of this possible husband. Obviously you are pretty enough to flatter the vanity of one hard man; but it should not take personally ... say ... a benefit of your beauty, what benefit will include such a union for him?

- Here, sir, let me bring in the money issue ...

- I hear you, miss.

- I'm rich ... very rich! But I do not want my husband to be ...

Mr. Michot had an approving smile:

- This is indeed a serious compensation!

- Especially since the man I choose will be assured of a wide and pleasant life: traveling, many distractions, large hotels, comfortable suits, luxury cars. In short, anything that can quilt and embellish existence.

- Let me explain better your requirements, miss.

Claude smiled, and very proud to state figures, she continued:

- Finally, for the personal needs of this gentleman, I believe that allocating a sum of twelve thousand francs a month he will find it in this union some serious inconvenience offsets a gentleman can experience to being a husband title of his wife.

Mr. Michot did not answer. The figures of the girl impressed. Despite this, however, he thought the singular propositions of his client, and weighing the cons and pros, he sought a man to judge what another man would respond to such a market.

- It is possible to satisfy you, miss, 'he said finally, as long as you like personally.

- What do you mean ?

- By agreeing to close his eyes later on discrete escapades that will have to be your companion.

Redness flushed face of Claude. And immediately, uncompromising as are usually women when they do not have the human infidelities:

- But I do not want my husband to be a runner, or it allows any getaway! I basically want to have a companion for rest, which is concerned only me and not frequent any other woman.

Mr. Michot nodded and amused at the bottom of the pretensions of Claude, he tried in appearance to endorse entirely:

- Yes, yes, I see ... I see!

In fact, his great life experience told him not to be afraid of this feminine requirement. Historically, women have demanded complete loyalty to their mates ...

Loved or not, real or fictional husband spouse, husband married this beautiful girl would be exactly the same wood as all other suitors, especially with such conditions in the key ...

"The key, he said, is to find it a well-mannered and decent husband. With a gentleman, always things work out beautifully! "

And contemplating the proud young head that put his abnormal conditions with such decision, an indulgent smile hovered on the lips of serious manager and he reassured her with his usual authority:

- I think I can tell you that I will find a husband you desire. In a few days, I will make known my first results. Meanwhile, to facilitate my research and ensure a fiance to your taste, you want to fill one of our cards?

He handed the girl a printed sown many white. It was a real love Claude looked with surprise and hostility.

- How! I have to provide all this information? She protested.

- The man likely to suit you may also want some details about the woman offered to him.

- Of course, but ...

- Observe, insisted Mr. Michot, the more we choose a high character man, the more he will himself be difficult. Before he commits, it will expose the situation and answer any questions.

- That's right, recognized the visitor. But in all this, what do you do with the discretion which I claim?

- This information is confidential, miss. Only part is raised and subject to potential contenders. Some items, such as your name, address and what is special about your report, are never disclosed. Moreover, if you do not wish you to know, even to us, simply to put a number or initials in place of your marital status. For the regularity of our scriptures and as a guarantee, you will be left to pay our cash provision covering in advance the research costs.

"Our customers are absolutely free to discover whether or not their personality. Only one thing is required of them, under pain of radiation, it is the accuracy of the information they provide to us. To them not to answer if the question embarrasses them, but for us to take precautions against any voluntary error. When it is proven, we immediately stop deal with these bad customers and the cash advance they paid us is acquired at home, to compensate for the harm they might have caused us.

- And you're right, after all, 'said Claude, reassured by such a program, otherwise everyone would try to impersonate a white blackbird.

Claude took a pen and, bravely, she fills in the blanks of the long questionnaire.

However, when it came to providing information on the physical qualities of the bridegroom she wanted to meet, she remained the outstanding penholder.

- Something embarrasses you? asked Mr. Michot, who did not lose sight of.

- Yes, she confessed. I do not prefer a male figure to another. I got to my feet, all the possible contenders and none really suited me. Instinctively, I want my husband to be taller than me and has a friendly face. But the shape of the face, eye color or hair care I just ... provided he has the moral qualities that I wish him and be a real cavalier.

- We will try to satisfy you, said Mr. Michot, who saw dawn with satisfaction a handsome profit for his agency.

But as if telepathy made him guess the thought of his partner, Claude stopped writing and looked up.

- I would also tell you, sir, she explained in a soft voice, but clearly, as my fortune only concern my husband in any way; All arrangements will be made on this subject by my lawyer. Besides the fees I pay you, you have nothing to expect from the one I choose; just as I would break immediately a union that would not respond to my wishes. However, as it is just that everyone is rewarded according to his merits, I believe that if you are the architect of my happiness, I owe you a great thanks. And the shape of it would be that of a thousand-franc note that you would pay every month!

- Every month ! said the director, starting in spite of his usual mastery.

- Yes, so long as this marriage ... until the end of my life, if it is not broken.

Mr. Michot admired in his heart the precautions taken against him in this case. But as these precautions themselves were favorable to him, he could only congratulate the young woman who proved so adept in such matters. Suddenly, Claude appeared to him a superior woman to be reckoned with and it was useful not to seek to roll.

When they parted, they strongly shook hands: each was happy with the other.

The director of "Select Agency" felt zealous for his generous client, and Claude saw with satisfaction that the realization of his extravagant project was possible.

"Vivat for Spanish author who put me in mind a pretty novel! if she cried happily when she picked up in her car. Between us, gentlemen suitors! For once, it is a woman who will speak first and ask his conditions! There long enough that young girls are forced to choose their husbands in the restricted lot of men who notice them; so some of them are reduced to take the first that comes to fear to miss the opportunity! "

And without realizing it showed, as he spoke, feeling strangely subversive for the tranquility of her future husband, she began to sing merrily, while his car brought home.

IV

The meal was ending, and in this dinner men, most gaiety reigned.

The host, Simon Wass, the banker if known, had also, as usual, does things.

Though married with three beautiful children, Simon Wass was accustomed to meet monthly in a dinner where the masculine element was only represented a number of his friends and acquaintances he was trying to vary each time, with the desire to maintain intimate relationships, to establish new or to initiate some fledgling business.

That evening, the delicacies succeeded the delicate starters, and generous wines with brand appetizers.

At that moment cigars began to leave their dawning red tips, liqueurs of every color iridescent glasses and bottles. And the guests a blissful lips, an animation to the eyes, the stomach satisfied and flattered palace, indulged in about a little fat or half-confidences, according to their temperament.

With the householder who conversed amicably, Mr. Michot, one of the lucky guests of the meeting, left puncture at once, and satisfaction and concern for his business:

- "Select Agency" recruits customers in all environments, he said. When I started taking the extension, there are some twelve years, that is to say around 1920, I then had a customer base of employees and small rentiers, failing relationship , could not figure out the companion or the companion of their choice.

"Today it is no longer the same. The modern young man usually has more needs than its elders. He wants his wife to meet some of its demands, whether such abilities, such fortune, such education. And when it is satisfied that they are presented to him as he wants one, only then he leaves dawning feeling and chooses among several competing that he likes best.

- Obviously, recognized Simon Wass, our fathers married foremost love.

- Unless it was just for the figure of a large dowry, noticed a neighbor.

- One and one of those ways were also bad, said the director of "Select Agency". In the first case, sincere man married, eyes blinded by love, a woman who often was unworthy of him; in the second, he sacrificed all the happiness in marriage opportunities only to the satisfaction of owning a nice nest egg. In both cases, it was his own misfortune and that of the woman who confided in him. With the modern conception of marriage, our young people study the characters, tastes, they weigh the values, qualities; it is much less random. I assure you that, personally, I think the last two or three years, say since 1930, the marriage level tends to rise.

- And really, Michot, you happen to meet your customers, rich young men ... of those relationships, wealth and which, despite all these advantages are for you to unearth the soul mate ?

The director of "Select Agency" had a triumphant smile.

- No later than now, dear sir, a rich girl ... rich, immensely rich! turned to me to find the white blackbird meet his wishes.

- To be completely accurate, you should have completed the portrait, one of the guests intervened, somewhat ironically.

- What picture? said Mr. Michot with astonishment in good faith.

- You said, immensely rich. It was added, terribly ugly or old, or misshapen!

- Not at all: she is young, charming and gives the appearance of a beautiful academy.

- Come, Michot, do not overdo it, said the householder, conciliatory.

- But I'm not exaggerating, my dear! I wish I had thirty years to put myself in the running ...

He paused, hesitated, and said, with more moderation:

- I say a mistake; a Michot, all-powerful and all evil it is, does not respond at all to the desires of my young client: it takes a man of the world, really elegant, chivalrous and courteous ...

And, in a few words, while observing the greatest discretion with regard to the situation of his young visitor, Mr. Michot related the adventure of the morning and the mandate which he had been charged. The figure of the monthly pension that the young woman pretended to attribute to her husband sensation on the guests. For less than that, many have sold their souls!

This figure mainly showed how the matter was serious.

And everyone to do some reflection or throw some jokes on this Amazon singular claiming to buy a husband!

- And, really, this woman is beautiful? asked again the guest who had used ironically at the beginning of this conversation.

- Very pretty ! stated Mr. Michot.

- How old ?

- Twenty three years.

- And really, in other respects?

- Fine, elegant, distinguished, small feet, small hand pretty face. A beautiful little woman, what!

- Damn! Unless there is some physical or moral defect that escapes you.

- I do not believe ! The information that I have already obtained this afternoon, are excellent and the girl in question belongs to the better world.

- French?

- Yes sir.

- His parents ?

- Orphan.

A silence fell, as if this word summed up the situation.

- Well ! resumed after a moment the voice, I wish you, dear sir, to carry out this business. For my part, I have curiosity, when I meet you, to ask you what will happened.

- I hope, sir, to have as pleasant things to say. This case is beautiful, it flatters me and I decided to drive myself to the point.

- Best wishes for it to succeed, said the other courteously.

- Thank you, sir, said the director of the "Select Agency", looking furtively his interlocutor.

But he had time to notice that an intelligent and open countenance.

We rose from table, people monopolized Mr. Michot, we knew befriended many personalities, and he found himself completely separated from friendly guest.

The latter, moreover, a little dreamer, had taken refuge, smoking cigarettes in the recess of a window on the night.

The fresh wind came out in large refreshing flashes and chased the torpor of the end of too delectable dinner.

The unknown, eyes lost in the wave of dark sky studded with golden dots, seemed to pursue some attractive vision full of surprises. There was a smile in her eyes and irony on his lips, but his brow remained creased, as if the more lucid brain is imperative stood against an obscure design came from the depths of himself.

And it was perhaps this voluntary subconscious that made him pirouette on her heel and marched towards his imponderable fate.

The thought always fogged absently, he walked to the householder.

- Simon, he said familiarly, present me Michot to "Select Agency", without specifying who I am ... and I ask you about that discretion honor to ignore my true situation.

- Michot will not take long to know all that you wish to hide him ... especially this!

- Bah! Do not lie, tell the truth: Didier Valencourt, your boyfriend St. Louis, lawyer without cause at the Court of Appeal of Paris ... a point, that's all! To maintain this particular guy, I hope he do not stir millions shovel, or have the bewitching smile of the millionaire he has spoken to us.