me Gerdy read the account of the murder, the unhappy woman
divined her son's work, and, in the first paroxysms of her grief, she
declared that she would denounce him.

He was terrified. A frightful delirium had taken possession of his
mother. One word from her might destroy him. Putting a bold face on it,
however, he acted at once and staked his all.

To put the police on Albert's track was to guarantee his own safety,
to insure to himself, in the event of a probable success, Count de
Commarin's name and fortune.

Circumstances, as well as his own terror, increased his boldness and his
ingenuity.

Old Tabaret's visit occurred just at the right moment.

Noel knew of his connection with the police, and guessed that the old
fellow would make a most valuable confidant.

So long as Madame Gerdy lived, Noel trembled. In her delirium she
might betray him at any moment. But when she had breathed her last, he
believed himself safe. He thought it all over, he could see no further
obstacle in his way; he was sure he had triumphed.

And now all was discovered, just as he was about to reach the goal of
his ambition. But how? By whom? What fatality had resuscitated a secret
which he had believed buried with Madame Gerdy?

But where is the use, when one is at the bottom of an abyss, of knowing
which stone gave way, or of asking down what side one fell?

The cab stopped in the Rue de Provence. Noel leaned out of the door, his
eyes exploring the neighbourhood and throwing a searching glance into
the depths of the hall of the house. Seeing no one, he paid the fare
through the front window, before getting out of the cab, and, crossing
the pavement with a bound, he rushed up stairs.

Charlotte, at sight of him, gave a shout of joy.

"At last it is you, sir!" she cried. "Ah, madame has been expecting you
with the greatest impatience! She has been very anxious."

Juliette expecting him! Juliette anxious!

The advocate did not stop to ask questions. On reaching this spot,
he seemed suddenly to recover all his composure. He understood his
imprudence; he knew the exact value of every minute he delayed here.

"If any one rings," said he to Charlotte, "don't open the door. No
matter what may be said or done, don't open the door!"

On hearing Noel's voice, Juliette ran out to meet him. He pushed her
gently into the salon, and followed, closing the door.

There for the first time she saw his face.

He was so changed; his look wa