"
"Then I am going. Do not fear, I will be faithful to our compact, they
shall not take me alive. Adieu, my father! in all this you are the true
criminal, but you alone will go unpunished. Ah, heaven is not just. I
curse you!"
When, an hour later, the servants entered the count's room, they found
him stretched on the floor with his face against the carpet, and showing
scarcely a sign of life.
On leaving the Commarin house, Noel staggered up the Rue de
l'Universite.
It seemed to him that the pavement oscillated beneath his feet, and that
everything about him was turning round. His mouth was parched, his eyes
were burning, and every now and then a sudden fit of sickness overcame
him.
But, at the same time, strange to relate, he felt an incredible relief,
almost delight. It was ended then, all was over; the game was lost. No
more anguish now, no more useless fright and foolish terrors, no more
dissembling, no more struggles. Henceforth he had nothing more to fear.
His horrible part being played to the bitter end, he could now lay aside
his mask and breathe freely.
An irresistible weariness succeeded the desperate energy which, in the
presence of the count, had sustained his impudent arrogance.
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