"You will be thoroughly enlightened soon, I tell you. But, by the way, be sure not to forget about the work M. Olivier did for the steward of the Château de Beaumesnil, near Luzarches."
"I shall not forget that, for I intend to introduce the subject in that way; and permit me to say that I am to start out with a colossal lie, my dear marquis."
"But, as this colossal lie is sure to bring out the truth in the most incontrovertible fashion, you need feel no scruples! You will certainly have no cause to regret it, either, for what is about to occur will be quite as much to your advantage as to that of Mlle. de Beaumesnil, perhaps. I am going to summon her now, and do not have M. Olivier ushered in until after you know that we are in the next room, remember."
"Oh, I understand all about that. Go at once, my dear marquis, and use the back stairs. It is the shortest way, and M. Olivier, who is waiting in the library, will not see you."
The marquis complied with these instructions, and soon found himself in Mlle. de Beaumesnil's apartments.
"Ah, M. de Maillefort," exclaimed Ernestine, her face radiant, and her eyes still filled with tears of joy, "Herminie has told me all. Her happiness seems certain to equal mine,—if mine is realised."
"Come quick, my child," exclaimed the hunchback. "M. Olivier is up-stairs now."
"Herminie can accompany me, can she not, M. de Maillefort? She will be near me to keep up my courage—"
"Your courage?"
"Yes, for now I confess that, in spite of myself, I am sorry that I consented to this test."