“Then it is really the case that everything is mortgaged? I have heard rumours to that effect, but was unaware how far they might be true.”

“Yes, they are true. What then?”

“Why, it will be a case of ‘Farewell, Mlle. Blanche,’ ” I remarked; “for in such an event she would never become Madame General. Do you know, I believe the old man is so much in love with her that he will shoot himself if she should throw him over. At his age it is a dangerous thing to fall in love.”

“Yes, something, I believe, will happen to him,” assented Polina thoughtfully.