It is only
by proving the guilt of the Marquis de Valorsay and the Viscount
de Coralth that I can establish my innocence, and so far I am
powerless to do so."
Mademoiselle Marguerite's face brightened with supreme joy. "Then
I can serve you, in my turn, my only love," she exclaimed. "Ah!
blessed be God who inspired me, and who thus rewards me for an
hour of courage. My poor father's plan also occurred to me,
Pascal. Was it not strange? The material proof of your innocence
which you have sought for in vain, is in my possession, written
and signed by the Marquis de Valorsay. Like M. de Fondege, he
believes that the letter which proves his guilt is annihilated.
He burned it himself, and yet it exists." So saying, she drew from
her bosom one of the copies which she had received from Carjat the
photographer, and handed it to Pascal, adding, "Look!"
Pascal eagerly perused the marvellous facsimile of the letter
which the marquis had written to Madame Leon. "Ah! this is the
scoundrel's death warrant." he exclaimed, exultantly. And
approaching Madame Ferailleur, who still stood leaning against the
door, silent and motionless: "Look, mother," he repeated, "look!"
And he pointed to this paragraph which was so convincing and so
explicit, that the most exacting jury would have asked for no
further evidence. "I have formed a plan which will completely
efface all remembrance of that cursed P.
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