“Now,” said he, “shall we not confess, after all, that there was no use in making such a fuss?”
“I allow that I was in the wrong,” answered Catenac meekly; and, extending his hands to his two associates with an oily smile, he said: “Let us forget and forgive.”
Was he to be trusted? Mascarin and the doctor exchanged glances of suspicion. A moment afterward a knock came to the door, and Paul entered, making a timid bow to his two patrons.
“My dear boy,” said Mascarin, “let me present you to one of my oldest and best friends.” Then, turning to Catenac, he added: “I wish to ask you to help and assist my young friend here. Paul Violaine is a good fellow, who has neither father nor mother, and whom we are trying to help on in his journey through life.”
The lawyer started as he caught the strange, meaning smile which accompanied these words.
“Great heavens!” said he, “why did you not speak sooner?”
Catenac at once divined Mascarin’s project, and understood the allusion to the Duke de Champdoce.