These words decided her; she snatched up a candle, rushed into her chamber, opened the secretary, and took out M. Fauvel’s key.
But, when about to hand it to Raoul, she seemed to suddenly see the enormity of what she was doing.
“Oh, Raoul! my son,” she murmured, “I cannot! Do not ask me to commit such a dreadful deed!”
He said nothing, but sadly turned to leave the room; then coming back to his mother said:
“Ah, well; it makes but little difference in the end! At least, you will give me one last kiss, before we part forever, my darling mother!”
“What could you do with the key, Raoul?” interrupted Mme. Fauvel. “You do not know the secret word of the buttons.”
“No; but I can try to open it without moving the buttons.”
“You know that money is never kept in the safe over-night.”
“Nevertheless, I can make the attempt. If I open the safe, and find money in it, it will be a miracle, showing that Heaven has pitied my misfortune, and provided relief.”
“And if you are not successful, will you promise me to wait until to-morrow, to do nothing rash to-night?”