“This man is an impostor. The money he showed us was paid him to bear false witness. How can we credit his story?”
“We must investigate the matter,” replied M. Daubigeon. He rang the bell; and, when the usher came in, he asked,—
“Have you done what I told you?”
“Yes, sir,” replied the man. “M. de Boiscoran and the servant of Count Claudieuse are here.”
“Bring in the woman: when I ring, show M. de Boiscoran in.”
This woman was a big country-girl, plain of face, and square of figure. She seemed to be very much excited, and looked crimson in her face.
“Do you remember,” asked M. Daubigeon, “that one night last week a man came to your house, and asked to see your mistress?”
“Oh, yes!” replied the honest girl. “I did not want to let him in at first; but he said he came from the court, and then I let him in.”
“Would you recognize him?”
“Certainly.”