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That would be dangerous." He thought of roaming sound about M. de Valorsay's residence, and of bribing one of the valets; but while crossing the boulevard, the sight of Brebant's Restaurant put a new idea into his head. "I have it!" he muttered; "my man's caught!" And he darted into the nearest cafe where he ordered some beer and writing materials.
Last Sunday, at the races, I looked for you everywhere, and not a vestige of Wilkie was to be found. However, you were wise not to go. I am three hundred louis out of pocket. I staked everything on Domingo, the Marquis de Valorsay's horse. I thought I was sure to win yes, sure. Well, Domingo came in third. Can you understand that?
It was to the house of his formidable associate that he repaired on leaving M. Wilkie; and in a single breath he told the marquis all that he knew, and the plans that he had formed. M. de Valorsay's astonishment must have been intense when he heard that Lia d'Argeles was a Chalusse, but he knew how to maintain his composure.
These ideas and recollections were of considerable assistance in restoring Valorsay's composure. "Enough said, then," he answered, lightly. "I accept with pleasure. But " "Ah! so there is a but!" "There is always one. I must warn you that it will be difficult for me to repay this loan in less than two months." This, then, was the time he thought necessary for the accomplishment of his designs.
As cold and as unmoved as a statue, Pascal seemed quite unconscious of the effect of the message he had brought quite unconscious of Valorsay's sufferings and self-constraint. "You think I am jesting, monsieur," he said, quietly, "but I assure you that the baron is very short of money just now." "Nonsense! a man worth seven or eight millions of francs." "I should say ten millions, at least."
"That I have been cruelly punished for not wishing you to assist that unfortunate man who was dishonored here the other evening." "Pascal Ferailleur?" "Yes, he is innocent. The Viscount de Coralth is a scoundrel. It was he who slipped the cards which made M. Ferailleur win, into the pack, and he did it at the Marquis de Valorsay's instigation."
She told him everything with rare precision and accuracy of detail, sending him a copy of Valorsay's letter, and informing him that, in case any misfortune befell her, he could obtain the facsimiles from Carjat. She finished her letter, but did not seal it. "If anything should happen before I have an opportunity to post it, I will add a postscript," she said to herself.
So she handed him the Marquis de Valorsay's letter, saying, with melancholy dignity, "It is my happiness and my future that I place in your hands and I have no fears." He read her thoughts, and understood that she either dared not ask for a pledge of secrecy, or else that she thought it unnecessary. He took pity on her, and his last doubt fled.
His advantages were considerable, thanks to Baron Trigault, who had placed a hundred thousand francs at his disposal; but the essential point was to use this amount in such a way as to win Valorsay's confidence, and induce him to betray himself.
Only one thing puzzles me his silence. To disappear without a word, without giving me any sign of life " The magistrate interrupted her by a gesture. "I see nothing surprising in that since your companion is the Marquis de Valorsay's spy. How do you know that she has not intercepted or destroyed some letter from M. Pascal?" Mademoiselle Marguerite turned pale.
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