th; that humbled, he seemed utterly overwhelmed. Everything
in him gave way at once; all his supports failed him at the same time.
His cold, lifeless gaze revealed the dull stupor of his thoughts.
He presented such a picture of utter despair that the investigating
magistrate slightly shuddered at the sight. M. Tabaret looked
frightened, and even the clerk seemed moved.

"Constant," said M. Daburon quickly, "go with M. Tabaret, and see if
there's any news at the Prefecture."

The clerk left the room, followed by the detective, who went away
regretfully. The count had not noticed their presence; he paid no
attention to their departure.

M. Daburon offered him a seat, which he accepted with a sad smile. "I
feel so weak," said he, "you must excuse my sitting."

Apologies to an investigating magistrate! What an advance in
civilisation, when the nobles consider themselves subject to the law,
and bow to its decrees! Every one respects justice now-a-days, and fears
it a little, even when only represented by a simple and conscientious
investigating magistrate.

"You are, perhaps, too unwell, count," said the magistrate, "to give me
the explanations I had hoped for."

"I am better, thank you," replied M. de Commarin, "I am as well as could
be expected after the shock I have received. When I heard of the crime
of which my son is accused, and of his arrest, I was thunderstruck.
I believed myself a strong man; but I rolled in the dust. My servants
thought me dead. Why was it not so? The strength of my constitution,
my physician tells me, was all that saved me; but I believe that heaven
wishes me to live, that I may drink to the bitter dregs my cup of
humiliation."

He stopped suddenly, nearly choked by a flow of blood that rose to his
mouth.

The investigating magistrate remained standing near the table, almost
afraid to move.

After a few moments' rest, the count found relief, and
continued,--"Unhappy man that I am! ought I not to have expected it?
Everything comes to light sooner or later. I am punished for my great
sin,--pride. I thought myself out of reach of the thunderbolt; and I
have been the means of drawing down the storm upon my house. Albert an
assassin! A Viscount de Commarin arraigned before a court of assize! Ah,
sir, punish me, also; for I alone and long ago, laid the foundation of
this crime. Fifteen centuries of spotless fame end with me in infamy."

M. Daburon considered Count de Commarin's conduct unp