"It is very strange, monseigneur."
"What could be the motive for carrying off Fleur-de-Marie?"
"Monseigneur!" said Murphy, suddenly, "the Countess Sarah is no stranger to this carrying off."
"Sarah! And what makes you think so?"
"Compare this event with her denunciations against Madame d'Harville."
"You are right!" cried Rodolph, struck with a sudden light, "it is evident—now I understand. Yes, constantly the one calculation. The countess persists in thinking that by breaking down all the affections which she supposes me to form, she will make me feel the necessity of attaching myself to her. This is as odious as it is absurd. Still, such unworthy persecution must be put a stop to. It is not only myself, but all that deserve respect, interest, and pity, that this woman assails. Send M. de Graün instantly and officially to the countess and let him say that I have the certain assurance that she has been instrumental in carrying off Fleur-de-Marie, and if she does not give me at once such information as is necessary for me to find the poor girl, I will show no mercy; and then M. de Graün will go to the law officers of the crown."
"According to Madame d'Harville's letter, La Goualeuse must be in St. Lazare."
"Yes, but Rigolette declares that she saw her free, and quit the prison. There is some mystery which I must clear up."
"I will instantly go and give the Baron de Graün your orders, monseigneur. But allow me to open this letter, which comes from my correspondent at Marseilles, to whom I had recommended the Chourineur, as he was to facilitate the passage of the poor devil to Algeria."
"Well, has he set sail?"