He had not understood them; he had killed them both.
The hour of expiation had come; and he could not say: “Lord, the punishment is too great.”
And yet, what punishment, what misfortunes, during the last five days!
“Yes,” he stammered, “she predicted it. Why did I not listen to her?”
Madame Gerdy’s brother pitied the old man, so severely tried. He held out his hand.
“M. de Commarin,” he said, in a grave, sad voice, “my sister forgave you long ago, even if she ever had any ill feeling against you. It is my turn to-day; I forgive you sincerely.”
“Thank you, sir,” murmured the count, “thank you!” and then he added: “What a death!”
“Yes,” murmured Claire, “she breathed her last in the idea that her son was guilty of a crime. And we were not able to undeceive her.”
“At least,” cried the count, “her son should be free to render her his last duties; yes, he must be. Noel!”
The advocate had approached his father, and heard all.