In spite of Maurice's astonishment at this unexpected communication, the arrow of this reproach did not miss its mark, but he only said,—
"Am I to understand that these ten thousand dollars have been repaid?"
"They were repaid about an hour ago."
"Repaid? Who could have repaid them? How is it possible?" Maurice uttered these words to himself rather then addressed them to Mr. Emerson.
But the latter answered briefly, "The Countess de Gramont."
"My grandmother? Impossible! It was not in her power; she knew nothing of the transaction."
Mr. Emerson continued, without noticing this assertion,—
"A quarter of an hour ago I despatched a clerk to Brown's hotel, with a receipt for the money."
"My grandmother!" repeated Maurice, musingly, and unable to credit the possibility of her interference.