is scene, which caused him cruel
embarrassment, in spite of his apparent calmness, said to the notary,
in a grave and expressive voice: "It is necessary, sir, that all
this should have an end. If calumny could reach me, I would answer
victoriously by the facts that have just come to light. Why attribute
to odious conspiracies the absence of the heirs, in whose names this
soldier and his son have so uncourteously urged their demands? Why
should such absence be less explicable than the young Indian's, or than
M. Hardy's, who, as his confidential man has just told us, did not even
know the importance of the interests that called him hither? Is it not
probable, that the daughters of Marshal Simon, and Mdlle. de Cardoville
have been prevented from coming here to-day by some very natural
reasons? But, once again, this has lasted too long. I think M. Notary
will agree with me, that this discovery of new heirs does not at all
affect the question, which I had the honor to propose to him just now;
namely whether, as trustee for the poor, to whom Abbe Gabriel made a
free gift of all he possessed, I remain notwithstanding his tardy and
illegal opposition, the only possessor of this property, which I
have promised, and which I now again promise, in presence of all here
assembled, to employ for the Greater Glory of the Lord? Please to answer
me plainly, M. Notary; and thus terminate the scene which must needs be
painful to us all."

"Sir," replied the notary, in a solemn tone, "on my soul and conscience,
and in the name of law and justice--as a faithful and impartial executor
of the last will of M. Marius de Rennepont, I declare that, by virtue
of the deed of gift of Abbe Gabriel de Rennepont, you, M. l'Abbe
d'Aigrigny, are the only possessor of this property, which I place at
your immediate disposal, that you may employ the same according to the
intention of the donor."

These words pronounced with conviction and gravity, destroyed the last
vague hopes that the representatives of the heirs might till then have
entertained. Samuel became paler than usual, and pressed convulsively
the hand of Bathsheba, who had drawn near to him. Large tears rolled
down the cheeks of the two old people. Dagobert and Agricola were
plunged into the deepest dejection. Struck with the reasoning of
the notary, who refused to give more credence and authority to their
remonstrances than the magistrates had done before him, they saw
themselves forced to aba