nged scrutiny upon the room and its occupants, he respectfully
removed his hat, and walked in. "Why are so many people here?" he
inquired.

"I suggested that they should remain," replied M. Casimir, "because--"

"You are--suspicious," interrupted the magistrate.

His clerk had already drawn a pen and some paper from his portfolio, and
was engaged in reading the decision, rendered by the magistrate at the
request of one Bourigeau, and in virtue of which, seals were about to
be affixed to the deceased nobleman's personal effects. Since the
magistrate had entered the room, his eyes had not once wandered from
Mademoiselle Marguerite, who was standing near the fireplace, looking
pale but composed. At last he approached her, and in a tone of deep
sympathy: "Are you Mademoiselle Marguerite?" he asked.

She raised her clear eyes, rendered more beautiful than ever, by the
tears that trembled on her lashes, and in a faltering voice, replied:
"Yes, monsieur."

"Are you a relative? Are you connected in any way with the Count de
Chalusse? Have you any right to his property?"

"No, monsieur."

"Excuse me, mademoiselle, but these questions are indispensable. Who
intrusted you to the care of M. de Chalusse, and by what right? Was it
your father or your mother?"

"I have neither father nor mother, monsieur. I am alone in the
world--utterly alone."

The magistrate glanced keenly round the room. "Ah! I understand," said
he, at last; "advantage has been taken of your isolation to treat you
with disrespect, to insult you, perhaps."

Every head drooped, and M. Casimir bitterly regretted that he had not
remained below in the courtyard. Mademoiselle Marguerite looked at the
magistrate in astonishment, for she was amazed by his penetration. She
was ignorant of his conversation with Bourigeau on the road, and did not
know that through the concierge's ridiculous statements and accusations,
the magistrate had succeeded in discovering at least a portion of the
truth.

"I shall have the honor of asking for a few moments' conversation with
you presently, mademoiselle," he said. "But first, one question. I am
told that the Count de Chalusse entertained a very lively affection for
you. Are you sure that he has not taken care to provide for your future?
Are you sure that he has not left a will?"

The girl shook her head. "He made one in my favor some time ago," she
replied. "I saw it; he gave it to me to read; but it was destroyed a
fort