sitated to make short work of a person
like Clameran.
But with money prudence had come. He wished to enjoy his four hundred
thousand francs without being compromised by committing a murder which
might be discovered; he therefore began to devise some other means
of getting rid of his dreaded accomplice. Meanwhile, he devoted his
thoughts to some discreet way of thwarting Clameran's marriage with
Madeleine. He was sure that he would thus strike him to the heart, and
this was at least a satisfaction.
Raoul was persuaded that, by openly siding with Madeleine and her aims,
he could save them from Clameran's clutches. Having fully resolved upon
this course, he wrote a note to Mme. Fauvel asking for an interview.
The poor woman hastened to Vesinet convinced that some new misfortune
was in store for her.
Her alarm was groundless. She found Raoul more tender and affectionate
than he had ever been. He saw the necessity of reassuring her, and
winning his old place in her forgiving heart, before making his
disclosures.
He succeeded. The poor lady had a smiling and happy air as she sat in an
arm-chair, with Raoul kneeling beside her.
"I have distressed you too long, my dear mother," he said in his softest
tones, "but I repent sincerely: now listen to my--"
He had not time to say more; the door was violently thrown open, and
Raoul, springing to his feet, was confronted by M. Fauvel.
The banker had a revolver in his hand, and was deadly pale.
It was evident that he was making superhuman efforts to remain calm,
like a judge whose duty it is to justly punish crime.
"Ah," he said with a horrible laugh, "you look surprised. You did not
expect me? You thought that my imbecile credulity insured your safety."
Raoul had the courage to place himself before Mme. Fauvel, and to stand
prepared to receive the expected bullet.
"I assure you, uncle," he began.
"Enough!" interrupted the banker with an angry gesture, "let me hear no
more infamous falsehoods! End this acting, of which I am no longer the
dupe."
"I swear to you--"
"Spare yourself the trouble of denying anything. I know all. I know who
pawned my wife's diamonds. I know who committed the robbery for which an
innocent man was arrested and imprisoned."
Mme. Fauvel, white with terror, fell upon her knees.
At last it had come--the dreadful day had come. Vainly had she added
falsehood to falsehood; vainly had she sacrificed herself and others:
all was disc
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