"Yes, doctor, two days ago he gave me a large envelope and told me to take care of it for him, and to be sure and open it the moment he was dead. I was very frightened at what he said, and asked him to explain what he meant, but he merely shook his head and assured me there was no need for alarm, and all he asked me to promise was to carry out his instructions."
"But you have not carried them out, my child," said Villebois, smiling.
"Oh, doctor, how could I? I have been so ill and worried I have been unable to think of anything at all."
"Well, never mind," said Riche consolingly, "fortunately no harm has been done. Do you remember what the envelope looked like?"
"It was sealed with large red seals."
"What," cried Riche, bounding up from his seat as if he had been shot, "did you say it was sealed?"
"Yes, doctor, it had five seals in wax."
"Diable!" cried Riche in such an excited tone of surprise that Villebois thought he must be out of his senses. "Tell me quick where it is."
"You will find it in my writing-desk, doctor," said Renée, alarmed at his excited manner. "What do you want it for?"