"I trust you will do so without delay," replied Albert. "My mother is now at home and so is Gabrielle, but you can say that you wish to see my mother alone."
"If you have an opportunity of exchanging a few words in private with Mademoiselle Verdon, pray tell her that my feelings are unchanged," said George to Plancoët.
"I will readily promise you that; and now, as you are acquainted with the habits of the investigating magistrate, will you tell me at what hour I should be likely to find him in his office?"
"Oh! my friend Balmer assured me that he would be in his office all day."
"But why do you wish to know that?" interrupted the lieutenant. "I suppose you have no idea of requesting him to release Puymirol?"
"Certainly not," stammered Plancoët.
"Then hasten to my mother's without delay. Now's your time, but when and where shall we see you again?"
"I am afraid the interview will prove a lengthy one."
"Ah, well, George and I will return here at five o'clock. So good-bye for the present, old friend."
"Farewell," replied Plancoët, pressing the hands the two young men held out to him.