"God grant it! As far as in us lies, you may rely on our gratitude."
"No gratitude! Do not mention it! What I want is your friendship. The papers," added the attorney, looking cautiously round, and drawing his chair to Mrs. Tengelyi's side, "I say, are the papers such that they give full and satisfactory proofs of your husband's noble descent?"
"Of course they do. What of that?"
"Indeed, indeed!" said Mr. Catspaw, abstractedly. "Important matter! Valuable papers! What baptism is in the kingdom of Heaven, that is noble descent in the kingdom of Hungary. I understand your grief now, and especially when I think what is to become of your little boy!—--"
"For God's sake, cease to torment me! If you know what has become of them——"
"But tell me," said Mr. Catspaw, "have you lost all your papers? Are none of the documents left?"
"None!" sighed Mrs. Tengelyi. "They were tied in a parcel, and they are all gone. But if you know where they are, I pray, I entreat you to tell me. If I have ever offended you, pray consider that my children, at least, are innocent of any grudges you may think you owe me!"
Mr. Catspaw had some difficulty to conceal the joy he felt at the effect of his words.
"Alas!" said he, with a sigh, "if it were my own case—believe me, dearest Mrs. Ershebet, if I only knew where the papers are, I'd walk a thousand miles to restore them to you!"
"Do you mean to say that you do not know where they are?" cried Mrs. Tengelyi, with amazement.