The notary presented a pen; the girl took it, and, with a hand trembling with joyful emotion, signed, "Herminie."
"Well, my child, why do you stop there?" asked M. de Maillefort, as he saw her about to return the pen to the notary.
And as his protégée turned and looked at him in silent surprise, the hunchback continued:
"Go on, of course, my child, and sign yourself 'Herminie de Maillefort.'"
"Ah, I understand now," Gerald said to his mother, with profound emotion. "M. de Maillefort is the best and most generous of men."
Herminie continued to gaze at the hunchback in speechless astonishment, but at last she said, hesitatingly:
"Why, monsieur, I cannot sign myself 'Herminie de Maillefort.' That name—"
"My child," said the hunchback, in pleading tones, "have you not often told me that you felt a truly filial affection for me?"
"I do, indeed, monsieur."
"And have you not more than once felt that you could best express your gratitude by telling me that I manifested all a father's solicitude for you?"