"I am positively forbidden to do so," said Courte-Joie, "but, without transgressing orders, I can tell you that it is one of your very best friends."
A cold chill ran through Michel's heart. He thought of Bertha. He fancied she had received his letter. It was doubtless an angry "she-wolf" who awaited him, and, painful as the interview would be, he felt that he could not, in honor, refuse it.
"Very good," he said; "I know now who it is."
"You know, do you?"
"Yes, it is Mademoiselle de Souday."
Aubin Courte-Joie did not answer; but he looked at Trigaud with an air that seemed to say, "Faith! he's guessed it!" Michel intercepted the look.
"Let us walk on," he said.
"You won't try to get away?"
"No."
"On your word of honor?"