" said the magistrate. "Excuse me
if I absent myself for a moment; I will soon return." And so
saying he rose and left the room.
But it was only a pretext. He really wished to conceal his
emotion and regain his composure, for he had been deeply affected
by the young girl's narrative. He also needed time for
reflection, for the situation had become extremely complicated
since Mademoiselle Marguerite had informed him of the existence of
heirs--of those mysterious enemies who had poisoned the count's
peace. These persons would, of course, require to know what had
become of the millions deposited in the escritoire, and who would
be held accountable for the missing treasure? Mademoiselle
Marguerite, unquestionably. Such were the thoughts that flitted
through the magistrate's mind as he listened to his clerk's
report. Nor was this all; for having solicited Mademoiselle
Marguerite's confidence, he must now advise her. And this was a
matter of some difficulty.
However, when he returned to the study he was quite self-possessed
and impassive again, and he was pleased to see that on her side
the unfortunate girl had, to some extent, at least, recovered her
wonted composure. "Let us now discuss the situation calmly," he
began. "I shall convince you that your prospects are not so
frightful as you imagine. But before speaking of the future, will
you allow me to refer to the past?" The girl bowed her consent.
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