“What has become of her?”
“She has gone to live with General de Fondege, one of the count’s friends. She wouldn’t take her jewels and diamonds away with her, which seemed very strange, for they are worth more than a hundred thousand francs. Even Bourigeau said to me: ‘That’s unnatural, M. Casimir.’ Borigeau is the concierge of the house, a very worthy man. Monsieur will not find his equal.”
Unfortunately, this tribute to the merits of the valet’s friend was interrupted by the arrival of a footman, who, after tapping respectfully at the door, entered the room and exclaimed: “The doctor is here, and desires to speak with Monsieur le Marquis.”
“Very well,” replied M. de Valorsay, “ask him to wait. When I ring, you can usher him in.” Then addressing M. Casimir, he added:
“You may retire for the present, but don’t leave the house. M. Wilkie will acquaint you with his intentions by and by.”
The valet thereupon backed out of the room, bowing profoundly.
“There is a story for you!” exclaimed M. Wilkie as soon as the door was closed. “A robbery of two millions!”
The marquis shook his head, and remarked, gravely: “That’s a mere nothing. I suspect something far more terrible.”
“What, pray? Upon my word! you frighten me.”
“Wait! I may be mistaken. Even the doctor may lie deceived. But you shall judge for yourself.” As he spoke, he pulled the bell-rope, and an instant after, the servant announced: “Dr. Jodon.”