"You consented to receive this amount, and to assure the child an income of eight thousand francs. The one-half of this amount was to be added to the capital until its majority; the other half was to be paid by you to the person who should take charge of this little girl."
"Continue, madame."
"At the end of two years," said Sarah, without being able to conquer a slight emotion, "the 28th November, 1827, this child died."
"Before continuing this conversation, madame, I shall ask you what interest you have in this affair?"
"The mother of this little girl is my sister, sir; I have here, for proof of what I advance, the publication of the death of this poor little thing, the letters from the person who had care of her, the receipt of one of your clients, with whom you placed the fifty thousand crowns."
"Let me see these papers, madame."
Quite astonished not to be believed at her word, Sarah drew from a portfolio several papers, which the notary closely examined.
"Ah, well, madame, what do you want? The notice of the death is quite correct; the fifty thousand crowns became the property of M. Petit Jean, my client, by the death of the child; as to the interests, they were always punctually paid by me until its decease."
"Nothing can be more correct than your conduct in this affair; sir, I am pleased to acknowledge it. The woman to whom the child was confided has also a right to our gratitude; she has taken the greatest care of my poor little niece."
"That is true, madame; I was so much pleased with her conduct, that, after the death of the child, I took her in my service; she is still there."