"
The viscount remarked, with an ironical air: "All that is perfect;
but the autopsy will reveal the falseness of the accusation."
"Naturally--but an autopsy will require time, and that will suit
my plans admirably. After eight or ten days' solitary confinement
and several rigid examinations, Mademoiselle Marguerite's energy
and courage will flag. What do you think she will reply to the
man who says to her: 'I love you, and for your sake I will attempt
the impossible. Swear to become my wife and I will establish your
innocence?'"
"I think she will say: 'Save me and I will marry you!'"
M. de Valorsay clapped his hands. "Bravo!" he exclaimed; "you
have spoken the truth. Remember, now, that your dark forebodings
are only chimeras! Yes, she will swear it, and I know she is the
woman to keep her vow, even if she died of sorrow. And the very
next day I will go to the examining magistrate and say to him:
'Marguerite a thief! Ah, what a frightful mistake. A robbery has
been committed, it's true; but I know the real culprit--a
scoundrel who fancied that by destroying a single letter he would
annihilate all traces of the breach of fidelity he had committed.
Fortunately, the Count de Chalusse distrusted this man, and proof
of his breach of trust is in existence. I have this proof in my
hands.' And I will show a letter establishing the truth of my
assertion.
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