“Something was burnt. I had half closed the door, and could not hear what my husband said, but Monsieur de Cadanet—”
“Yes?”
“He said: ‘You will remember that Monsieur de Beaudrillart has paid everything, and that I have nothing against him.’”
The words died away. The silence in the court had become profound. Poor Mme. Lemaire buried her face in her hands.
“Have you,” said the judge at last, “ever mentioned what you overheard to your husband!”
“No. I was afraid it would vex him.”
“But when you heard that he was bringing this trial!”
“I never heard it. I live very much out of the world—too much, perhaps.”
“And what induced you to come forward to-day!”
“Madame de Beaudrillart came and implored me. They have a child who would have been disgraced. I—am more fortunate,” she murmured.