“The court has ordered the trial!”
The marquis only bent his head, as if his voice, had failed him to answer the question.
“It is still a great secret,” said Dionysia; “and we only know it, thanks to the indiscretion of our kind, our devoted Mechinet. Jacques will have to appear before the Assizes.”
She was interrupted by a servant, who entered to announce that dinner was on the table.
They all went into the dining-room; but the last event made it well-nigh impossible for them to eat. Dionysia alone, deriving from feverish excitement an amazing energy, aided M. Folgat in keeping up the conversation. From her the young advocate learned that Count Claudieuse was decidedly worse, and that he would have received, in the day, the last sacrament, but for the decided opposition of Dr. Seignebos, who had declared that the slightest excitement might kill his patient.
“And if he dies,” said M. de Chandore, “that is the finishing stroke. Public opinion, already incensed against Jacques, will become implacable.”
However, the meal came to an end; and M. Folgat went up to Dionysia, saying,—
“I must beg of you, madam, to trust me with the key to the little garden-gate.”
She looked at him quite astonished.
“I have to see a detective secretly, who has promised me his assistance.”