He seemed to have
forgotten that he had asked his old friend's advice; nor did he appear
in any way desirous of renewing the interrupted conversation. This was
not at all what old Tabaret wanted.
"The more I ponder over your history, my dear Noel," he observed, "the
more I am bewildered. I really do not know what resolution I should
adopt, were I in your situation."
"Yes, my old friend," replied the advocate sadly, "it is a situation
that might well perplex even more profound experiences than yours."
The old amateur detective repressed with difficulty the sly smile, which
for an instant hovered about his lips.
"I confess it humbly," he said, taking pleasure in assuming an air of
intense simplicity, "but you, what have you done? Your first impulse
must have been to ask Madame Gerdy for an explanation."
Noel made a startled movement, which passed unnoticed by old Tabaret,
preoccupied as he was in trying to give the turn he desired to the
conversation.
"It was by that," answered Noel, "that I began."
"And what did she say?"
"What could she say! Was she not overwhelmed by the discovery?"
"What! did she not attempt to exculpate herself?" inquired the detective
greatly surprised.
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