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ed around him, he carefully perused the papers and the report of his own answers to the interrogatory--then, finding all correct, he signed. "Monsieur," said he, "here are the documents. Shall I have the pleasure of seeing you again?" "I do not think so," said D'Argenson, with that brutality which was the terror of those who were subjected to him. "Then to our meeting in another world, monsieur." The major led Gaston to his own room. CHAPTER XXX. THE FAMILY FEUD. When Gaston returned to his room, he was obliged to answer the questions of Dumesnil and Pompadour, who were waiting to hear news from him; but, in compliance with his promise made to D'Argenson, he did not mention his sentence, but simply announced a severer interrogatory than before--but as he wished to write some letters, he asked Dumesnil for a light. Dumesnil sent him a candle--things were progressing, it may be remarked; Maison-Rouge could refuse nothing to Mademoiselle de Launay, and she shared all with Dumesnil, who, in his turn, again shared with his neighbors, Gaston and Richelieu. Gaston doubted whether, in spite of D'Argenson's promise, he would be allowed to see Helene, but he knew that at least he should see a priest before he died; there could be no doubt that the priest would forward two letters for him. As he began to write, Mademoiselle de Launay made a signal that she had something to send him; it was a letter. Gaston read: "Our friend--for you are our friend, and now we have no secrets from you--tell Dumesnil of the famous hope I conceived after the word that Herment said to me." Gaston's heart beat. Might not he also find in this letter some ground for hope? Had they not said that his fate could not be separated from the others? It is true that those who had said so did not know of his conspiracy. He read on: "An hour ago the doctor came, accompanied by Maison-Rouge; from the latter's manner I drew the most favorable augury; however, when I asked to speak in private, or, at least, to whisper to the doctor, he made some difficulties, which I removed with a smile. 'At least,' said he, 'no one must know that I am out of hearing. I should lose my place if it were known how weak I am.' This tone of love and interest combined seemed to me so grotesque that I laughingly promised him what he asked; you see how I keep my promise. He went to a distance, and Herment approached. Then commenced a dialogue, wherein the
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