"
The magistrate watched the advocate's face narrowly. Was he speaking
frankly, or was he but playing at being generous? Could it really be
that he had never had any suspicion of this?
Noel did not flinch under the gaze, but almost immediately
continued,--"What reason could this young man have for trembling, or
fearing for his position? I did not utter one threatening word, even
indirectly. I did not present myself like a man who, furious at being
robbed, demands that everything which had been taken from him should be
restored on the spot. I merely presented the facts to Albert, saying,
'Here is the truth? what do you think we ought to do? Be the judge.'"
"And he asked you for time?"
"Yes. I had suggested his accompanying me to see Widow Lerouge, whose
testimony might dispel all doubts; he did not seem to understand me. But
he was well acquainted with her, having visited her with the count, who
supplied her, I have since learned, liberally with money."
"Did not this generosity appear to you very singular?"
"No."
"Can you explain why the viscount did not appear disposed to accompany
you?"
"Certainly. He had just said that he wished, before all, to have an
explanation with his father, who was then absent, but who would return
in a few days.
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