"
"Ah!" said the magistrate as if suddenly enlightened; "ah! ah!"
But without noticing this exclamation which was, at least,
remarkable in tone, M. de Valorsay again turned to Mademoiselle
Marguerite, and continued: "Your ignorance on this subject,
mademoiselle, convinces me that your servants have not deceived me
in telling me that M. de Chalusse was struck down without the
slightest warning. But they have told me one thing which I cannot
believe. They have told me that the count made no provision for
you, that he left no will, and that--excuse a liberty which is
prompted only by the most respectful interest--and that, the
result of this incomprehensible and culpable neglect is that you
are ruined and almost without means. Can this be possible?"
"It is the exact truth, monsieur," replied Mademoiselle
Marguerite. "I am reduced to the necessity of working for my
daily bread."
She spoke these words with a sort of satisfaction, expecting that
the marquis would betray his disappointed covetousness by some
significant gesture or exclamation, and she was already prepared
to rejoice at his confusion. But her expectations were not
realized. Instead of evincing the slightest dismay or even
regret, M. de Valorsay drew a long breath, as if a great burden
had been lifted from his heart, and his eyes sparkled with
apparent delight. "Then I may venture to speak," he exclaimed,
with unconcealed satisfaction, "I will speak, rnademoiselle, if
you will deign to allow me.
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