We must go then, and we must take
your sister. Leave the care of her in Paris, and the
responsibility of keeping her in ignorance of what you are doing,
to me. Go to this General Berthelin's house at a time when you
know Danville is there (we can get that knowledge through the
servants); confront him without a moment's previous warning;
confront him as a man risen from the dead; confront him before
every soul in the room though the room should be full of
people--and leave the rest to the self-betrayal of a
panic-stricken man. Say but three words, and your duty will be
done; you may return to your sister, and may depart with her in
safety to your old retreat at Rouen, or where else you please, on
the very day when you have put it out of her infamous husband's
power to add another to the list of his crimes."
"You forget the suddenness of the journey to Paris," said
Trudaine. "How are we to account for it without the risk of
awakening my sister's suspicions?"
"Trust that to me," answered Lomaque. "Let us return to the
cottage at once. No, not you," he added, suddenly, as they turned
to retrace their steps. "There is that in your face which would
betray us. Leave me to go back alone--I will say that you have
gone to give some orders at the inn. Let us separate immediately.
You will recover your self-possession--you will get to look
yourself again sooner--if you are left alone.
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