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He has not only often told me so, but I have heard him tell M. Fauvel; and he would talk to Mme. Fauvel by the hour about his mother, who was cousin to Mme. Fauvel, and dearly beloved by her." "Then you think there is no possible mistake or falsehood about this part of his story?" "None in the least, monsieur." "Well, things are assuming a queer look."
This witness had left Paris the day of the robbery, and could not be found; so, for the time being, M. Patrigent was compelled to rely upon Prosper's word. "Well," he said, "I will not press this point; but tell me why, in spite of the formal order of M. Fauvel, you drew the money from the Bank of France the night before, instead of waiting till the morning of the payment?"
Although apparently engrossed in the conversation of his neighbor at the table, he closely watched Mme. Fauvel and her niece. He saw that they were unable to conceal their agitation, and stealthily exchanged significant looks. Evidently the same terrible idea had crossed their minds. Madeleine seemed more nervous and startled than her aunt.
Before a week had gone by, he was a favorite with M. Fauvel, intimate with Abel and Lucien, and inseparable from Prosper Bertomy, the cashier, who spent all his evenings with the banker's family. Charmed at the favorable impression made by Raoul, Mme.
He endeavored to repair, as well as he could, what he called his treason. He did not exactly accuse M. Fauvel, but he courageously declared that he was the cashier's friend, and that he was as sure of his innocence as he was of his own.
He tried to cover his embarrassment by boldly saying: "I was told not to mention this sacred trust." Mme. Fauvel, without making any reply, laid her hand on the bell-rope and quietly said: "You will allow me to end this interview, monsieur, which was only granted for the purpose of placing in your hands these precious jewels."
"I must say, monsieur," began Prosper. "That you are surprised to find me here? So I suppose. Your father intended introducing me to you; but he was compelled to return to Beaucaire this morning; and let me add that he departed thoroughly convinced, as I myself am, that you never took a cent from M. Fauvel." At this unexpected good news, Prosper's face lit up with pleasure.
"I do not complain, M. the Count: on the contrary, I bless chance, or rather Providence, which has just revealed to me the existence of a secret that I did not before even suspect." Five or six people approached the count, and he went off with them after giving the clown a friendly nod. The latter instantly threw aside his banner, and started in pursuit of Mme. Fauvel.
"Beautifully done," he cried, clapping his hands with glee. "That last sentence will create a chasm between Mme. Fauvel and her niece. The promise of a fortune for me will certainly bring my mother over to our side." "I hope so," said Louis with pretended modesty.
Fauvel, often against my wishes, I never received a tenth part." "But you know we have a reserve fund." "All very good; but you have the keeping of it, my good uncle. It is very nice for you, but not so funny for me. If our little plot were to be discovered to-morrow, you would walk off with the money-box, and leave your devoted nephew to be sent to prison."
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