Two
millions! that's a good haul. Tell me, my friend, have you any
clue to the thief?"
The valet's troubled glance betrayed an uneasy conscience, but he
had gone too far to draw back. "I shouldn't like to accuse an
innocent person," he replied, "but there was some one who
constantly had access to that escritoire."
"And who was that?"
"Mademoiselle Marguerite."
"I don't know the lady."
"She's a young girl who is--at least people say--the count's
illegitimate daughter. Her word was law in the house."
"What has become of her?"
"She has gone to live with General de Fondege, one of the count's
friends. She wouldn't take her jewels and diamonds away with her,
which seemed very strange, for they are worth more than a hundred
thousand francs. Even Bourigeau said to me: 'That's unnatural, M.
Casimir.' Borigeau is the concierge of the house, a very worthy
man. Monsieur will not find his equal."
Unfortunately, this tribute to the merits of the valet's friend
was interrupted by the arrival of a footman, who, after tapping
respectfully at the door, entered the room and exclaimed: "The
doctor is here, and desires to speak with Monsieur le Marquis."
"Very well," replied M. de Valorsay, "ask him to wait. When I
ring, you can usher him in." Then addressing M. Casimir, he added:
"You may retire for the present, but don't leave the house.
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