He thought it all over, he could see no further
obstacle in his way; he was sure he had triumphed.
And now all was discovered, just as he was about to reach the goal of
his ambition. But how? By whom? What fatality had resuscitated a secret
which he had believed buried with Madame Gerdy?
But where is the use, when one is at the bottom of an abyss, of knowing
which stone gave way, or of asking down what side one fell?
The cab stopped in the Rue de Provence. Noel leaned out of the door, his
eyes exploring the neighbourhood and throwing a searching glance into
the depths of the hall of the house. Seeing no one, he paid the fare
through the front window, before getting out of the cab, and, crossing
the pavement with a bound, he rushed up stairs.
Charlotte, at sight of him, gave a shout of joy.
"At last it is you, sir!" she cried. "Ah, madame has been expecting you
with the greatest impatience! She has been very anxious."
Juliette expecting him! Juliette anxious!
The advocate did not stop to ask questions. On reaching this spot,
he seemed suddenly to recover all his composure. He understood his
imprudence; he knew the exact value of every minute he delayed here.
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