The baron noted her agitation from the trembling of the rich jewels on her bosom.
"Compose yourself," he said almost affectionately, taking in his own one of her gloved hands "Your trouble may not be as serious as you imagine."
"You consider me capable of being afflicted over a trifle!" she exclaimed. "Listen; my son has escaped to England."
"To England!" ejaculated Lecazes, starting in his seat.
"Ah! so you see my distraction is not over a small matter. Yes, to London and slyly, too, for he told me that he was going hunting on Picmort. But as I have eyes, I discovered that the clothes which he had taken were hardly appropriate to the chase and that the guns and bags which were left behind satirically grinned at each other. I then hurried to our bankers and indifferently inquired whether René had ordered money to be sent to him. On being told that a large credit had been placed for him in London, I concluded that my presentiments were well founded."
"When did the Marquis leave?"
"Four days ago. He should reach London tonight."
The baron was not in the habit of showing his feelings, and only a slight contraction of the mouth could be detected as the effect of his chagrin.
"You know well," proceeded the lady, "that the girl is there. When I revealed the truth to him and proved it by the documents which you kindly procured for me—showing her father's criminal record—René seemed overwhelmed with sadness. After some grieving over his ruined hopes, he appeared to be cured of his absurd passion. But now I realize that the chains are not broken."
The superintendent brusquely inquired: