What do I say?--
he is even above suspicion. I have known him for years, and I
have never met a more loyal, more honorable, or more courageous
man. He is one of my few trusted friends; we see each other
almost every day. I am expecting a visit from him even now."
"Still it was he who incited M. de Coralth to do the deed."
"But why? What could have been his object?"
"To win a young girl whom I love. She--loved me, and he saw that
I was an obstacle. He put me out of the way more surely than if
he had murdered me. If I died, she might mourn for me--
dishonored, she would spurn me----"
"Is Valorsay so madly in love with the girl, then?"
"I think he cares but very little for her."
"Then why----"
"She is the heiress of several millions."
It was evident that this explanation did not shake Baron
Trigault's faith in his friend. "But the marquis has an income of
a hundred and fifty or two hundred thousand francs," said he;
"that is an all-sufficient justification. With his fortune and
his name, he is in a position to choose his wife from among all
the heiresses of France. Why should he address his attentions in
particular to the woman you love? Ah! if he were poor--if his
fortune were impaired--if he felt the need of regilding his
escutcheon, like my son-in-law----"
He paused; there was a rap at the door. The baron called out:
"Come in," and a valet appeared, and informed his master that the
Marquis de Valorsay wished to speak with him.
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