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."

The truth, as all the world knows, and delights in proclaiming, has an
accent which no one can mistake. M. Daburon had not the slightest doubt
of his witness's good faith. Noel continued with the ingenuous candour
of an honest heart which suspicion has never touched with its
bat's wing: "The idea of treating at once with my father pleased me
exceedingly. I thought it so much better to wash all one's dirty linen
at home, I had never desired anything but an amicable arrangement. With
my hands full of proofs, I should still recoil from a public trial."

"Would you not have brought an action?"

"Never, sir, not at any price. Could I," he added proudly, "to regain my
rightful name, begin by dishonouring it?"

This time M. Daburon could not conceal his sincere admir