The magistrate turned against Albert precisely that which the day before had won the count’s admiration.

“What wonderful acting!” thought he.  “Tabaret is decidedly possessed of second sight.  To his inconceivable boldness, this young man joins an infernal cleverness.  The genius of crime itself inspires him.  It is a miracle that we are able to unmask him.  How well everything was foreseen and arranged?  How marvellously this scene with his father was brought about, in order to procure doubt in case of discovery?  There is not a sentence which lacks a purpose, which does not tend to ward off suspicion.  What refinement of execution!  What excessive care for details!  Nothing is wanting, not even the great devotion of his betrothed.  Has he really informed Claire?  Probably I might find out; but I should have to see her again, to speak to her.  Poor child! to love such a man!  But his plan is now fully exposed.  His discussion with the count was his plank of safety.  It committed him to nothing, and gained time.  He would of course raise objections, since they would only end by binding him the more firmly in his father’s heart.  He could thus make a merit of his compliance, and would ask a reward for his weakness.  And, when Noel returned to the charge, he would find himself in presence of the count, who would boldly deny everything, politely refuse to have anything to do with him and would possibly have him driven out of the house, as an impostor and forger.”

It was a strange coincidence, but yet easily explained, that M. de Commarin, while telling his story, arrived at the same ideas as the magistrate, and at conclusions almost identical.  In fact, why that persistence with respect to Claudine?  He remembered plainly, that, in his anger, he had said to his son, “Mankind is not in the habit of doing such fine actions for its own satisfaction.”  That great disinterestedness was now explained.

When the count had ceased speaking, M. Daburon said:  “I thank you, sir.  I can say nothing positive; but justice has weighty reasons to believe that, in the scene which you have just related to me, Viscount Albert played a part previously arranged.”

“And well arranged,” murmured the count; “for he deceived me!”

He was interrupted by the entrance of Noel, who carried under his arm a black shagreen portfolio, ornamented with his monogram.

The advocate bowed to the old gentleman, who in his turn rose and retired politely to the end of the room.

“Sir,” said Noel, in an undertone to the magistrate, “you will find all the letters in this portfolio.  I must ask permission to leave you at once, as Madame Gerdy’s condition grows hourly more alarming.”

Noel had raised his voice a little, in pronouncing these last words; and the count heard them.  He started, and made a great effort to restrain the question which leaped from his heart to his lips.

“You must however give me a moment, my dear sir,” replied the magistrate.