Yes, but Madame Gerdy certainly
knew that Noel was really her son, for when he was returned to her,
she no doubt looked for the mark she had made on him. Then, when Noel
discovered the count's letters, she must have hastened to explain to
him--"
Old Tabaret stopped as suddenly as if further progress were obstructed
by some dangerous reptile. He was terrified at the conclusion he had
reached.
"Noel, then, must have assassinated Widow Lerouge, to prevent her
confessing that the substitution had never taken place, and have burnt
the letters and papers which proved it!"
But he repelled this supposition with horror, as every honest man drives
away a detestable thought which by accident enters his mind.
"What an old idiot I am!" he exclaimed, resuming his walk; "this is the
result of the horrible profession I once gloried in following! Suspect
Noel, my boy, my sole heir, the personification of virtue and honour!
Noel, whom ten years of constant intercourse have taught me to esteem
and admire to such a degree that I would speak for him as I would for
myself! Men of his class must indeed be moved by terrible passions to
cause them to shed blood; and I have always known Noel to have but two
passions, his mother and his profession.
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