"You shall see them," said D'Argenson.
"Ah! monsieur," said Gaston, stepping forward as though to take his hand, "you lay me under the greatest obligation."
"On one condition, however, monsieur."
"What is it? there is no condition compatible with my honor that I will not accept in exchange for so great a favor."
"You must tell no one of your condemnation, and this on your word as a gentleman."
"I accede to that all the more willingly," said Gaston, "as one of the persons named would certainly die if she knew of it."
"Then all is well; have you anything further to say?"
"Nothing, monsieur, except to beg that you will record my denials."
"They are already firmly attached—officer, hand the papers to Monsieur de Chanlay, that he may read and sign them."
Gaston sat down by a table, and, while D'Argenson and the judges chatted around him, he carefully perused the papers and the report of his own answers to the interrogatory—then, finding all correct, he signed.