"Sir," said she, in a trembling voice, trying to conceal her face under the folds of her veil, "Sir, can one confide a secret to you of the highest importance?"
"Anything can be confided to me, madame, but I must see and know to whom I speak."
"That, perhaps, is not necessary. I know that you are honor and loyalty itself."
"Just so, madame, just so; there is some one there waiting. Who are you?"
"My name is of no importance, sir. One of my friends—of my relations— has just left you."
"His name?"
"M. Floreston de Saint Remy."
"Ah!" said the notary, casting on the duchess an inquisitive and searching glance; then he resumed: "Well, madame!"
"M. de Saint Remy has told me everything, sir."
"What did he tell you?"