The notary arose from his chair, and handed a seat to the countess, saying, "You asked for a meeting, madame, yesterday. I was so much occupied that I could not send you an answer until this morning; I make you a thousand excuses."
"I desired to see you, sir, on business of the greatest importance. Your reputation has made me hope my business with you will be successful."
The notary bowed in his chair. "I know, sir, that your discretion is well tried."
"It is my duty, madame."
"You are, sir, a rigid and incorruptible man."
"Granted, madame."
"Yet, if one should say to you, sir, it depends on you to restore life—more than life—reason to an unhappy mother, would you have the courage to refuse?"
"State facts, madame, I will answer."
"About fourteen years since, in December, 1824, a young man, dressed in mourning, came to propose to you to take, for an annuity, the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand francs, for a child of three years, whose parents desired to remain unknown."
"Continue, madame," said the notary, avoiding a direct answer.