From this scene, in the advocate’s judgment, might be dated the first attacks of the illness, to which she was now succumbing.

Noel then described his interview with the Viscount de Commarin.  A few inaccuracies occurred in his narrative, but so slight that it would have been difficult to charge him with them.  Besides, there was nothing in them at all unfavourable to Albert.

He insisted, on the contrary, upon the excellent impression which that young man had made on him.  Albert had received the revelation with a certain distrust, it is true, but with a noble firmness at the same time, and, like a brave heart, was ready to bow before the justification of right.

In fact, he drew an almost enthusiastic portrait of this rival, who had not been spoiled by prosperity, who had left him without a look of hatred, towards whom he felt himself drawn, and who after all was his brother.

M. Daburon listened to Noel with the most unremitting attention, without allowing a word, a movement, or a frown, to betray his feelings.

“How, sir,” observed the magistrate when the young man ceased speaking, “could you have told me that, in your opinion, no one was interested in Widow Lerouge’s death?”

The advocate made no reply.

“It seems to me,” continued M. Daburon, “that the Viscount de Commarin’s position has thereby become almost impregnable.  Madame Gerdy is insane; the count will deny all; your letters prove nothing.  It is evident that the crime is of the greatest service to this young man, and that it was committed at a singularly favourable moment.”

“Oh sir!” cried Noel, protesting with all his energy, “this insinuation is dreadful.”

The magistrate watched the advocate’s face narrowly.  Was he speaking frankly, or was he but playing at being generous?  Could it really be that he had never had any suspicion of this?

Noel did not flinch under the gaze, but almost immediately continued,—­“What reason could this young man have for trembling, or fearing for his position?  I did not utter one threatening word, even indirectly.  I did not present myself like a man who, furious at being robbed, demands that everything which had been taken from him should be restored on the spot.  I merely presented the facts to Albert, saying, ‘Here is the truth? what do you think we ought to do?  Be the judge.’”

“And he asked you for time?”

“Yes.  I had suggested his accompanying me to see Widow Lerouge, whose testimony might dispel all doubts; he did not seem to understand me.  But he was well acquainted with her, having visited her with the count, who supplied her, I have since learned, liberally with money.”

“Did not this generosity appear to you very singular?”

“No.”

“Can you explain why the viscount did not appear disposed to accompany you?”

“Certainly.  He had just said that he wished, before all, to have an explanation with his father, who was then absent, but who would return in a few days.”