“Save Madame de Serizy,” said the Comte de Bauvan, “and you shall have what you will.”
“I ask for nothing,” said Jacques Collin. “I surrendered at discretion, and Monsieur de Granville must have received——”
“All the letters, yes,” said the magistrate. “But you promised to save Madame de Serizy’s reason. Can you? Was it not a vain boast?”
“I hope I can,” replied Jacques Collin modestly.
“Well, then, come with me,” said Comte Octave.
“No, monsieur; I will not be seen in the same carriage by your side—I am still a convict. It is my wish to serve the Law; I will not begin by discrediting it. Go back to the Countess; I will be there soon after you. Tell her Lucien’s best friend is coming to see her, the Abbe Carlos Herrera; the anticipation of my visit will make an impression on her and favor the cure. You will forgive me for assuming once more the false part of a Spanish priest; it is to do so much good!”
“I shall find you there at about four o’clock,” said Monsieur de Granville, “for I have to wait on the King with the Keeper of the Seals.”
Jacques Collin went off to find his aunt, who was waiting for him on the Quai aux Fleurs.
“So you have given yourself up to the authorities?” said she.
“Yes.”