But the baron had detected it; and he realized his applicant's
urgent need. He felt certain that M. de Valorsay was financially
ruined--and yet, as it did not suit his plans to refuse, he
hastily added: "When I say I haven't that amount, I mean that I
haven't got it on hand just at this moment. But I shall have it
within forty-eight hours; and if you are at home at this time on
the day after to-morrow, I will send you one of my agents, who
will arrange the matter with you."
A moment before, the marquis had allowed his consternation to show
itself; but this time he knew how to conceal the joy that filled
his soul. So it was in the most indifferent manner, as if the
affair were one of trivial importance, that he thanked the baron
for being so obliging. Plainly enough, he now longed to make his
escape, and indeed, after rattling off a few commonplace remarks.
he rose to his feet and took his leave, exclaiming: "Till the day
after to-morrow, then!"
The baron sank into an arm-chair, completely overcome. A martyr
to a passion that was stronger than reason itself, the victim of a
fatal love which he had not been able to drive from his heart,
Baron Trigault had passed many terrible hours, but never had he
been so completely crushed as at this moment when chance revealed
the secret which he had vainly pursued for years. The old wounds
in his heart opened afresh, and his sufferings were poignant
beyond description.
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