“By some poor gardeners at Louveciennes: yes, I know all that.”
Maxence was trembling with joy. It seemed to him that his most dazzling hopes were about to be realized. Seizing the hands of Marius de Tregars,
“Ah, you know Lucienne’s family!” he exclaimed. But M. de Tregars shook his head.
“I have suspicions,” he answered; “but, up to this time, I have suspicions only, I assure you.”
“But that family does exist; since they have already, at three different times, attempted to get rid of the poor girl.”
“I think as you do; but we must have proofs: and we shall find some. You may rest assured of that.”
Here he was interrupted by the noise of the opening door.
The old servant came in, and advancing to the centre of the room with a mysterious look,
“Madame la Baronne de Thaller,” he said in a low voice.
Marius de Tregars started violently.