Astounded, then thrilled with happiness, Naundorff turned to his daughter, who interrupting, calmly said:
"Do not concede it, my father, until the Marquis retracts."
René understood. His fealty indicated his line of procedure. Turning to Naundorff, he said:
"I retract, not because Amélie demands that I should but because my conscience so dictates. In France I had been assured that you had been imprisoned as an incendiary and counterfeiter and that you had served your term in Silesia at hard labor. Two hours since, I said this to Amélie. Since meeting you, I am convinced that the charge is false. Forgive me and take my hand."
A melancholy cloud settled upon Naundorffs face and a spasm of pain convulsed his features. From his eyes darted a lustre like that of congealed tears. Losing all control of himself, he shrieked:
"Do not take my hand. What they told you in France is true. I have been dragged before tribunals under the accusation of firing a theatre and counterfeiting money. Yes, I have ground gypsum in the prison of Alstadt. You have not been deceived, Monsieur le Marquis."
Amélie, sobbing and on her knees, caressed her father passionately. René vacillated for a moment and then intuition vanquished reason.
"Your hand, Monsieur Naundorff," he said, extending his own. "If you refuse, it is because you doubt me. I feel convinced that those accusations are part of an iniquitous scheme. My heart so speaks and my heart does not lie. The Marquis de Brezé, of immaculate honor, responds for the honor of Naundorff."
Not his hand but both of his arms did Naundorff extend to this new friend whom he embraced impetuously.
"Not only are you innocent of felony," said René, "but, moreover, a man persecuted, calumniated, victimized. From today you have at your side an unconditional friend. I will make your reputation to shine as the sun. Trust yourself to me."