Madame replied that he could look in her late hiding-place, where he would find a white portfolio she had left there.
The prefect went to fetch the portfolio and brought it back with him.
"Monsieur," said the duchess, opening it, "the papers in this portfolio are of very little consequence; but I wish to give them to you myself in order that I may explain their ownership."
So saying, she gave him one after the other the things that were in the portfolio.
"Does Madame know how much money she has here?" asked the prefect.
"Monsieur, there ought to be about thirty-six thousand francs; of which twelve thousand belong to persons whom I will designate."
The general here approached and said that if Madame felt better it was urgent that she should leave the house.
"To go where?" she said, looking at him fixedly.
"To the castle, Madame."
"Ah, yes, and from there to Blaye, no doubt?"