“The midwife,” I added, “is absolutely unknown to me.  She is most likely an abandoned woman, who with her worthy companion wants to cheat me of my money.”

“I should be delighted to think so,” he answered, “but admitting the fact, see how chance favours her, and makes it a most difficult thing for you to prove your innocence.

“The young lady disappeared three months ago.  She was known to be your intimate friend, you called upon her at all hours; you spent a considerable time with her the day before she disappeared, and no one knows what has become of her; but everyone’s suspicions point at you, and paid spies are continually dogging your steps.  The midwife sent me a requisition yesterday by her counsel, Vauversin.  She says that the pregnant lady you brought to her house is the same whom Madame X. C. V. is searching for.  She also says that you both wore black dominoes, and the police have ascertained that you were both at the ball in black dominoes on the same night as that on which the midwife says you came to her house; you are also known to have left the ball-room together.  All this, it is true, does not constitute full proof of your guilt, but it makes one tremble for your innocence.”

“What cause have I to tremble?”

“What cause!  Why a false witness, easily enough hired for a little money, might swear with impunity that he saw you come from the opera together; and a coachman in the same way might swear he had taken you to the midwife’s.  In that case I should be compelled to order your arrest and examination, with a view to ascertain the name of the person whom you took with you.  Do you realize that you are accused of procuring abortion; that three months have gone by without the lady’s retreat having been discovered; that she is said to be dead.  Do you realize, in short, what a very serious charge murder is?”

“Certainly; but if I die innocent, you will have condemned me wrongly, and will be more to be pitied than I.”

“Yes, yes, but that wouldn’t make your case any better.  You may be sure, however, that I will not condemn an innocent man; but I am afraid that you will be a long time in prison before you succeed in proving your innocence.  To be brief, you see that in twenty-four hours the case looks very bad, and in the course of a week it might look very much worse.  My interest was aroused in your favour by the evident absurdity of the accusations, but it is the other circumstances about the case which make it a serious one for you.  I can partly understand the circumstances, and the feelings of love and honour which bid you be silent.  I have spoken to you, and I hope you will have no reserves with me.  I will spare you all the unpleasant circumstances which threaten you, believing, as I do, that you are innocent.  Tell me all, and be sure that the lady’s honour will not suffer; but if, on the other hand, you are unfortunately guilty of the crimes laid to your charge, I advise you to be prudent, and to take steps which it is not my business to suggest.  I warn you that in three or four days I shall cite you to the bar of the court, and that you will then find in me only the judge—­just, certainly, but severe and impartial.”