He divined her object only too easily; and he was asking himself whether
he would be able to resist prayers from such a mouth. What was she about
to ask of him? What could he refuse her? Ah, if he had but foreseen
this? He had not yet got over his surprise.
"I only knew of this dreadful event yesterday," pursued Claire; "my
grandmother considered it best to hide it from me, and, but for my
devoted Schmidt, I should still be ignorant of it all. What a night I
have passed! At first I was terrified; but, when they told me that all
depended upon you, my fears were dispelled. It is for my sake, is it
not, that you have undertaken this investigation? Oh, you are good, I
know it! How can I ever express my gratitude?"
What humiliation for the worthy magistrate were these heartfelt thanks!
Yes, he had at first thought of Mademoiselle d'Arlange, but since--He
bowed his head to avoid Claire's glance, so pure and so daring.
"Do not thank me, mademoiselle," he stammered, "I have not the claim
that you think upon your gratitude."
Claire had been too troubled herself, at first, to notice the
magistrate's agitation. The trembling of his voice attracted her
attention; but she did not suspect the cause.
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