That which Madame Gerdy owed
to the generosity of my father was almost entirely spent. My education
had absorbed a great part of it; and it was long before my profession
covered my expenses. Madame Gerdy and I live very quietly; but,
unfortunately, though simple in her tastes, she lacks economy and
system; and no one can imagine how great our expenses have been. But
I have nothing to reproach myself with, whatever happens. At the
commencement, I could not keep my anger well under control; but now I
bear no ill-will. On learning of the death of my nurse, though, I cast
all my hopes into the sea."
"You were wrong, my dear sir," said the magistrate. "I advise you to
still hope. Perhaps, before the end of the day, you will enter into
possession of your rights. Justice, I will not conceal from you, thinks
she has found Widow Lerouge's assassin. At this moment, Viscount Albert
is doubtless under arrest."
"What!" exclaimed Noel, with a sort of stupor: "I was not, then,
mistaken, sir, in the meaning of your words. I dreaded to understand
them."
"You have not mistaken me, sir," said M. Daburon. "I thank you for
your sincere straightforward explanations; they have eased my task
materially.
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