"What is this paper?" asked Sophie Dutertre, in surprise, "explain it."
"Yours and your husband's deliverance—"
"Our deliverance?"
"M. Pascal has pledged himself to give your husband all the time needed to pay the debt."
"Can it be true! No, no, such a happiness—Oh, it is impossible!"
"Read, then, and see for yourself, unbeliever."
Sophie rapidly looked over the deed; then, staring at the marquise, she exclaimed:
"That seems like a miracle; I cannot believe my eyes. And how was it done? My God, it must be magic!"
"Perhaps," replied Madeleine, smiling, "who knows?"
"Ah, forgive me, my friend!" cried Sophie, throwing her arms around the neck of the marquise; "my surprise was so great that it paralysed my gratitude. You have rescued us from ruin; we and our children owe you everything,—happiness, safety, fortune! Oh, you are our guardian angel!"