Noel!"
The advocate had approached his father, and heard all.
"I have promised, father," he replied, "to save him."
For the first time, Mademoiselle d'Arlange was face to face with Noel.
Their eyes met, and she could not restrain a movement of repugnance,
which the advocate perceived.
"Albert is already saved," she said proudly. "What we ask is, that
prompt justice shall be done him; that he shall be immediately set at
liberty. The magistrate now knows the truth."
"The truth?" exclaimed the advocate.
"Yes; Albert passed at my house, with me, the evening the crime was
committed."
Noel looked at her surprised; so singular a confession from such a
mouth, without explanation, might well surprise him.
She drew herself up haughtily.
"I am Mademoiselle Claire d'Arlange, sir," said she.
M. de Commarin now quickly ran over all the incidents reported by
Claire.
When he had finished, Noel replied: "You see, sir, my position at this
moment, to-morrow--"
"To-morrow?" interrupted the count, "you said, I believe, to-morrow!
Honour demands, sir, that we act to-day, at this moment. You can show
your love for this poor woman much better by delivering her son than by
praying for her.
Pages:
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495