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Updated: May 3, 2025
Paul, with a very pale face, was seated on the bed, while Hortebise was attentively examining his bare shoulder. The whole of Paul's right arm and shoulder was a large open wound, which seemed to have been caused by a burn or scald, and must have been extremely painful. The doctor was bending over him, applying a cooling lotion to the injured place with a small piece of sponge.
"What!" said he, as he clenched his hand firmly, "shall the headstrong passion of this foolish boy mar my plans? Let him take care of himself; for if he walks in my path, he will find it a road that leads to his own destruction." Dr. Hortebise had for some time back given up arguing with Mascarin as to the advice the latter gave him.
To Paul's utter astonishment, the name produced a sudden and terrible effect upon Doctor Hortebise, who started to his feet as if propelled from his chair by the unexpected application of some hidden motive power, and, fingering the locket that hung from his chain, gazed round upon his associates with wild and excited eyes. "Stop!" cried he.
"Well, at any rate, whatever we choose to say, what limit do you think he will place upon his extortions now that he holds our secret? We have taught him his music, and he will make us do our part in the chorus, and can blackmail us as well as we can others." "We played a foolish game," answered Dr. Hortebise moodily. "No; we had to confide in some one.
Consequently Hortebise shivered as he heard these words, but Mascarin smiled disdainfully, basking in his dream of success. "Go on then," said he. "Well, then, let me tell you that you will not overreach and deceive the Duke." "And why not, pray?" asked Mascarin. "But are you sure that I wish to deceive him? You have not been open with me, why should I be frank with you?
Catenac was in the agonies of indecision, and for fully a minute made no reply. "No, then!" he broke out in a manner which betrayed his intense agitation. "After due consideration, and having carefully weighed the chances for and against, I answer you decidedly, No." Mascarin and Hortebise evidently expected this reply, and exchanged glances.
I think that you might render such a step unnecessary by giving me your present advice and attention." Hortebise threw himself back in his chair with an expression of resignation. "If you want advice," remarked he, "why not apply to our worthy friend Catenac? he knows something of business, as he is a lawyer."
Hortebise did not care to follow this train of argument for the Count might enter at any moment, or a servant might come in to announce dinner and only sought to soothe the excited feelings of Madame de Mussidan, and to prove to her that she was frightened by shadows, and that in reality she was not estranged from her husband, nor did her daughter dislike her; and finally a ray of hope illuminated the saddened heart of the unfortunate lady.
"Thanks, my friend, many thanks, a thousand thanks; but I am much hurried; indeed I have not a moment to spare. I have matters on my hands of life and death." "But for all that," remarked Hortebise, "you can sit down for a moment. Baptiste has something to say to you which is as important as any of your matters can be."
"It will not be long before it is so; but, remember, in the meantime you must keep an eye upon him." "I will do so." "And, remember, report to me whoever comes to see him, no matter who it may be." "Not a soul can go upstairs without my seeing or hearing him." "Well, if any one, save the master, Dr. Hortebise, or myself comes, do not lose a moment, but come and report."
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