He was overcome with emotion; but in a few minutes he started up with renewed violence in his voice and manner.

“Everything is against me!” he exclaimed, “but no matter.  I will justify myself or perish in the attempt.  Human justice is liable to error; although innocent, I may be convicted:  so be it.  I will undergo my penalty; but people are not kept galley-slaves forever.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, father, that I am now another man.  My life, henceforth, has an object, vengeance!  I am the victim of a vile plot.  As long as I have a drop of blood in my veins, I will seek its author.  And I will certainly find him; and then bitterly shall he expiate all of my cruel suffering.  The blow came from the house of Fauvel, and I will live to prove it.”

“Take care:  your anger makes you say things that you will repent hereafter.”

“Yes, I see, you are going to descant upon the probity of M. Andre Fauvel.  You will tell me that all the virtues have taken refuge in the bosom of this patriarchal family.  What do you know about it?  Would this be the first instance in which the most shameful secrets are concealed beneath the fairest appearances?  Why did Madeleine suddenly forbid me to think of her?  Why has she exiled me, when she suffers as much from our separation as I myself, when she still loves me?  For she does love me.  I am sure of it.  I have proofs of it.”

The jailer came to say that the time allotted to M. Bertomy had expired, and that he must leave the cell.

A thousand conflicting emotions seemed to rend the old man’s heart.

Suppose Prosper were telling the truth:  how great would be his remorse, if he had added to his already great weight of sorrow and trouble!  And who could prove that he was not sincere?

The voice of this son, of whom he had always been so proud, had aroused all his paternal affection, so violently repressed.  Ah, were he guilty, and guilty of a worse crime, still he was his son, his only son!

His countenance lost its severity, and his eyes filled with tears.

He had resolved to leave, as he had entered, stern and angry:  he had not the cruel courage.  His heart was breaking.  He opened his arms, and pressed Prosper to his heart.

“Oh, my son!” he murmured.  “God grant you have spoken the truth!”

Prosper was triumphant:  he had almost convinced his father of his innocence.  But he had not time to rejoice over this victory.

The cell-door again opened, and the jailer’s gruff voice once more called out: 

“It is time for you to appear before the court.”

He instantly obeyed the order.

But his step was no longer unsteady, as a few days previous:  a complete change had taken place within him.  He walked with a firm step, head erect, and the fire of resolution in his eye.

He knew the way now, and he walked a little ahead of the constable who escorted him.