only time I have been to
Versailles. The contrary might be supposed; for I have allowed it to be
understood that I have often seen Madame de Lamotte since she left my
house, and was acquainted with all her actions, and that the former
confidence and friendship still existed between us. In allowing this,
I have acted a lie, and transgressed the habitual sincerity of my whole
life."

This assertion produced a bad impression on the magistrate. Derues
perceived it, and to avert evil consequences, hastened to add--

"My conduct can only be appreciated when it is known in entirety. I
misunderstood the meaning of Madame de Lamotte's letter. She asked me to
send her her son, I thought to oblige her by accompanying him, and
not leaving him to go alone. So we travelled together, and arrived at
Versailles about midday. As I got down from the coach I saw Madame de
Lamotte at the palace gate, and observed, to my astonishment, that my
presence displeased her. She was not alone."

He stopped, although he had evidently reached the most interesting point
of his story.

"Go on," said the magistrate; "why do you stop now?"

"Because what I have to say is so painful--not to me, who have to
justify myself, but for others, that I hesitate."

"Go on."

"Will you then interrogate me, please?"

"Well, what happened in this interview?"

Derues appeared to collect himself for a moment, and then said with the
air of a man who has decide on speaking out at last--

"Madame de Lamotte was not alone; she was attended by a gentleman whom I
did not know, whom I never saw either at Buisson-Souef or in Paris,
and whom I have never seen again since. I will ask you to allow me to
recount everything; even to the smallest details. This man's face struck
me at once, on account of a singular resemblance; he paid no attention
to me at first, and I was able to examine him at leisure. His manners
were those of a man belonging to the highest classes of society, and
his dress indicated wealth. On seeing Edouard, he said to Madame de
Lamotte--

"'So this is he?' and he then kissed him tenderly. This and the marks
of undisguised pleasure which he evinced surprised me, and I looked at
Madame de Lamotte, who then remarked with some asperity--

"'I did not expect to see you, Monsieur Derues. I had not asked you to
accompany my son.'

"Edouard seemed quite as much surprised as I was. The stranger gave me
a look of haughty annoyance, but seeing I did not