Why not avail myself of it? Only one thing worries
me--the lack of funds."
The marquis had expected the doctor would require remuneration for
his services. Before compromising himself any further, M. Jodon
wished to knew what compensation he was to receive. The marquis
was so sure of this, that he quickly exclaimed: "Ah, my dear
doctor, if you have need of twenty thousand francs, I shall be
only too happy to offer them to you."
"Really?"
"Upon my honor!"
"And when can you let me have the money?"
"In three or four days' time."
The bargain was concluded. The doctor was now ready to find
traces of any poison whatsoever in the Count de Chalusse's exhumed
remains. He pressed the marquis's hand and then went off,
exclaiming: "Whatever happens you can count upon me."
Left alone with the Viscount de Coralth, and consequently freed
from all restraint, M. de Valorsay rose with a long-drawn sigh of
relief. "What an interminable seance!" he growled. And,
approaching his acolyte, who was sitting silent and motionless in
an arm-chair, he slapped him on the shoulder, exclaiming: "Are you
ill that you sit there like that, as still as a mummy?"
The viscount turned as if he had been suddenly aroused from
slumber. "I'm well enough," he answered somewhat roughly. "I was
only thinking."
"Your thoughts are not very pleasant, to judge from the look on
your face.
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