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Updated: July 10, 2025
Ah, I see it all, and so shall he one of these days." At these words Daumon felt his knees give way under him; but all further questioning was stopped by the appearance of M. de Puymandour on his way to Champdoce. He therefore dismissed Francoise, and awaited the return of this gentleman, from whom he hoped to gain the fullest information regarding the Duke's malady.
Her magic spells were deftly woven. "No," cried he; "the poison which you had intended to use on yourself shall become my weapon of vengeance, and the instrument of punishment of the one who has wronged you." And with the gait of a man walking in his sleep, he left the Counsellor's office. Hardly had the young man's footsteps died away, than Daumon entered the room.
At three o'clock she could endure the suspense no longer, and making her escape from the Chateau, she went over to Daumon, who, she felt, must have obtained some intelligence. Even if she found that he knew nothing, it would be a relief to speak to him and to ask him when he thought that this terrible delay would come to an end.
It is quite true that great events spring from very trivial sources; and had Diana gone to visit La Besson, Norbert might have heard something concerning Daumon that would have put him on his guard; but, unfortunately, to-day Diana was bound on a visit to an old woman in another part of the parish.
"I beg your pardon," stammered Daumon. "I am but a poor peasant, and sometimes I speak out too plainly. I meant no harm, and I only hope that you will forgive me."
"When people say that you are as innocent as a girl," continued Daumon, "I always say that you are a sensible young fellow after all, and that if you choose to lead a regular life, it is far better than wasting your future fortune in wine, billiards, cards, or women." "I don't know that I might not do something of the kind," returned Norbert. "What did you say?" answered his wily companion.
"Counsellor, I have come to you for advice, which I sorely need. About an hour ago " With a gesture of sympathy Daumon interrupted her, "Alas!" said he; "spare me the recital, I know all." "You know " "Yes, I know that M. Norbert is a prisoner at the Chateau. Yes, mademoiselle, I know this, and I know, too, that you have just met the Duke de Champdoce in the Forest of Bevron.
But, never heeding the sarcastic question of the Counsellor, Norbert had regained his cart, and was driving off at full speed. Daumon had in no way exaggerated when he said that Norbert was spoken of as the "Young Savage of Champdoce," though no one used this appellation in an insulting form. Public opinion had changed considerably regarding the Duke of Champdoce.
How was it that he had not before seen that Diana was flinging herself in his way, and that all her affected openness and simplicity were merely the perfections of art, and that step by step she had led him to the brink of the terrible precipice which yawned before him? The whole hideous part as played by Daumon was no longer a sealed book to him.
With a gesture of contempt, she declined the proffered seat, and this act made Daumon her bitter enemy. "I have come," said she in the cold, disdainful words in which young girls of high birth address their inferiors, "I have come to you from Widow Rouleau." "Ah! you know the poor creature then?" "Yes, and I take a great interest in her."
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