Roch's face had abruptly assumed an expression of resolution. He did not raise any objection but quietly followed Albert to the Luxembourg Gardens where Caumont indeed was waiting. "My dear fellow," said young Verdon to his future brother-in-law, without more ado, "we are all of the same mind. You know my intentions, and my old friend Roch will see that they are carried out. Will you therefore give him the envelope containing the letters?"
George handed it to Plancoët, who accepted the trust without hesitation. "Are they all here?" he inquired.
"Yes, all three of them," replied the lieutenant. "Break the seal and see for yourself, if you like."
"That is unnecessary; your word is sufficient. But I should be greatly obliged to Monsieur Caumont if he would tell me how his friend Monsieur de Puymirol is getting on."
"His situation remains unchanged. He has been subjected to repeated examinations, but the magistrate has so far come to no decision."
"And your friend has said nothing about the letters?" inquired Plancoët.
"No; and yet, I fancy they would be the only means of saving him."
"Then why doesn't he mention them?"
"Probably because he doesn't wish to compromise the Countess de Lescombat. Perhaps, also, he doesn't want to mix me up in this unfortunate affair. If he spoke of the letters the magistrate would instantly suspect that he had intrusted them to me."
"And do you think that he will remain silent until the end?—that he will let himself be sent before the assizes rather than speak out."