The count assented.
Maurice, unable longer to control himself, broke forth, "And I shall not only be forced to endure the blighting suspicion of being guilty myself, but I must bear the terrible certainty that my father is so!"
The count only murmured in broken accents, "Oh, if the committee should select the left road!"
Maurice caught eagerly at the faint hope, and after a few moments' reflection, replied in a voice which, in spite of its coldness, was not without a touch of pity,—
"I must see Mr. Emerson, and make an effort to postpone his present intentions until the decision is made."
"It will be against us!" cried the count, vehemently. "Mr. Rutledge has made up his mind to vote for the road to the right; that one vote would have saved us! But we are too unfortunate; there is no longer a chance left!"
Maurice went forth without replying.