de's dowry, that I have toiled day and night to
lay it aside for her, feeling that with it I might make her happy.
You did not think of all this, I am sure, and were led away by the
temptation of the moment. But now that you have had time to reflect, you
will tell us the truth. Remember, Jack, that I am old, that time may not
be given me to replace this money. Ah, my good lad, speak!"

The poor man's lips trembled. It must have been a hardened criminal who
could have resisted such a touching appeal. Belisaire was so moved that
he made ar series of the most extraordinary gestures. "Give him the
money, Jack, I beg of you!" he whispered.

Alas I if the child had had the money, how gladly he would have placed
it in the hands of old Rondic, but he could only say,--

"I have stolen nothing--I swear I have not!"

The superintendent rose from his chair impatiently. "We have had enough
of this. Your heart must be of adamant to resist such an appeal as has
been made to you. I shall send you up-stairs again, and give you until
to-night to reflect. If you do not then make a full confession, I shall
hand you over to the proper tribunal."

The boy was then left all the long day in solitude. He tried to sleep,
but the knowledge that every one thought him guilty, that his own
shameful conduct had given ample reason for such a judgment, overwhelmed
him with sorrow. How could he prove his innocence? By showing his
mother's letter. But if D'Argenton should know of it? No, he could not
sacrifice his mother! What, then, should he do? And the boy lay on the
straw bed, turning over in his bewildered brain the difficulties of his
position. Around him went on the business of life; he heard the workmen
come and go. It was evening, and he would be sent to prison. Suddenly he
heard the stairs creak under a heavy tread, then the turning of the key,
and Zenaide entered hastily.

"Good heavens," she cried, "how high up you are!"

She said this with a careless air, but she had wept so much that her
eyes were red and inflamed, her hair was roughened and carelessly put
up. The poor girl smiled at Jack. "I am ugly, am I not? I have no figure
nor complexion. I have a big nose and small eyes; but two days ago I had
a handsome dowry, and I cared but little if some of the malicious young
girls said, 'It is only for your money that Maugin wishes to marry you,'
as if I did not know this! He wanted my money, but I loved him! And now,
Jack, all is changed