"This gentleman, my good
fellow," said M. de Valorsay, pointing to Wilkie, "is your former
master's only heir. A proof of devotion might induce him to keep
you with him. What you told me a little while ago is of great
importance to him; see if you can repeat it now for his benefit."
In his anxiety to secure a good situation, M. Casimir had ventured
to apply to the Marquis de Valorsay; he had talked a good deal,
and the marquis had conceived the plan of making him an
unsuspecting accomplice. "I never deny my words," replied the
valet, "and since monsieur is the heir to the property, I won't
hesitate to tell him that immense sums have been stolen from the
late count's estate."
M. Wilkie bounded from his chair. "Immense sums!" he exclaimed.
"Is it possible!"
"Monsieur shall judge. On the morning preceding his death, the
count had more than two millions in bank-notes and bonds stowed
away in his escritoire, but when the justice of the peace came to
take the inventory, the money could not be found. We servants
were terribly alarmed, for we feared that suspicion would fall
upon us."
Ah! if Wilkie had only been alone he would have given vent to his
true feelings. But here, under the eyes of the marquis and M. de
Coralth, he felt that he must maintain an air of stoical
indifference. He ALMOST succeeded in doing so, and in a tolerably
firm voice he remarked: "This is not very pleasant news.
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