It was the enemy! Pascal's features were distorted with rage; but
he did not stir--he did not utter a word. "Ask the marquis into
the next room," said the baron. "I will join him there at once."
Then as the servant retired, the baron turned to Pascal and said:
"Well, M. Ferailleur, do you divine my intentions?"
"I think so, monsieur. You probably intend me to hear the
conversation you are going to have with M. de Valorsay."
"Exactly. I shall leave the door open, and you can listen."
This word, "listen," was uttered without bitterness, or even
reproach; and yet Pascal could not help blushing and hanging his
head. "I wish to prove to you that your suspicions are without
foundation," pursued the baron. "Rest assured that I shall prove
this conclusively. I will conduct the conversation in the form of
a cross-examination, and after the marquis's departure, you will
be obliged to confess that you were wrong."
"Or you, that I am right?"
"So be it. Any one is liable to be mistaken, and I am not
obstinate."
He was about to leave the room, when Pascal detained him. "I
scarcely know how to testify my gratitude even now, monsieur, and
yet--if I dared--if I did not fear to abuse your kindness, I
should ask one more favor."
"Speak, Monsieur Ferailleur."
"It is this, I do not know the Marquis de Valorsay; and if,
instead of leaving the door wide open, you would partially close
it, I should hear as distinctly, and I could also see him.
Pages:
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59