United States or Morocco ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
His heart-broken tone aroused M. Verduret's sympathy, and he said, in a kind, soothing tone: "Then you suspect nothing? You did not fathom the meaning of what she said?" "You were listening," cried Prosper fiercely. "I certainly was." "Monsieur!" "Yes. It was a presumptuous thing to do, perhaps; but the end justified the means in this instance.
I have heretofore only made deductions more or less probable; I now possess knowledge which proves that I was not mistaken. I walked in darkness: now I have a light to guide me." As Prosper listened to M. Verduret's reassuring words, he felt hope arising in his breast. "Now," said M. Verduret, "we must take advantage of this evidence, gained by the imprudence of our enemies, without delay.
Verduret had grouped his evidence, and reached a result which Prosper felt he never could have hoped to attain by his own exertions. He was conscious that he possessed neither Verduret's penetration nor his subtlety. He did not possess this art of compelling obedience, of creating friends at every step, and the science of making men and circumstances unite in the attainment of a common result.
Although ignorant of M. Verduret's plans, Prosper began to comprehend the sense of his investigations.
On the ninth day of his voluntary seclusion, Prosper began to feel restless, and at ten o'clock at night set forth to take a walk, thinking the fresh air would relieve the headache which had kept him awake the previous night. Mme. Alexandre, who seemed to have some knowledge of M. Verduret's affairs, begged Prosper to remain at home.
He looked sadly around his chamber, and, as he thought of M. Verduret's projected pleasure at the ball, exclaimed: "Ah, how fortunate he is! To-morrow he will have the privilege of seeing Madeleine." The Rue St.
He did not sit down at M. Verduret's table, but stealthily gave his hand to Prosper, and, after assuring himself that no one was observing them, handed M. Verduret a package, saying: "She found this in a cupboard." It was a handsomely bound prayer-book. M. Verduret rapidly turned over the leaves, and soon found the pages from which the words pasted on Prosper's letter had been cut.
By confiding in my wife, I shall put her on her guard, and lose all chance of discovering the truth." Thus were realized all Verduret's presumptions. He had said, "If M. Fauvel does not yield to his first impulse, if he stops to reflect, we have time to repair the harm done." After long and painful meditation, the banker finally decided to wait, and watch his wife.
But for M. Verduret, where would have been his honor and domestic peace? With earnest gratitude he seized M. Verduret's hand as if to carry it to his lips, and said, in broken tones: "Oh, monsieur! how can I ever find words to express how deeply I appreciate your kindness? How can I ever repay the great service you have rendered me?"
This news, coming upon him so unexpectedly, proved to Prosper the justness of M. Verduret's calculations. Alas! why did not this certainty inspire him with absolute faith? why did it not give him courage to wait, the strength of mind to refrain from acting on his own responsibility?
Word Of The Day