“Chut, chut! let me alone; keep quiet.”
For the first time since he had known the fat man, Prosper saw him betray anxiety and hesitation.
He remained silent as long as he could, and then uneasily said:
“I am afraid I have embarrassed you very much, monsieur.”
“Yes, you have dreadfully embarrassed me,” replied M. Verduret. “What on earth to do now, I don’t know! Shall I hasten matters, or keep quiet and wait for the next move? And I am bound by a sacred promise. Come, we had better go and advise with the judge of instruction. He can assist me. Come with me; let us hurry.”
XXIII
As M. Verduret had anticipated, Prosper’s letter had a terrible effect upon M. Fauvel.
It was toward nine o’clock in the morning, and M. Fauvel had just entered his study when his mail was brought in.
After opening a dozen business letters, his eyes fell on the fatal missive sent by Prosper.