“Yes, why?”
“Because Maxime de Brevan’s real name is Justin Chevassat.”
Papa Ravinet started up as if he had been shot.
“What,” he said, “you know that?”
“I learned it three months ago. I also know that my friend, the proud nobleman, Maxime de Brevan, who has been received in the most aristocratic salons of Paris, has been a galley-slave, condemned for forgery.”
Henrietta had risen, filled with terror.
“Then,” she stammered, “this wretched man was”—
“Chevassat’s son; yes, madam,” replied Mrs. Bertolle.
“Oh!” exclaimed the poor girl, “oh!”
And she fell heavily back into her chair, overcome by this discovery. The old dealer alone preserved his calm appearance.