Save at the bottom of the second sheet, where—as a sign of the writing which in the day that had passed had faded, just legible—could be discerned "sormes."
That was all that was left of the words that a day before covered the sheet. The end of the man's signature. The rest had vanished.
I pointed it out to Monsieur Roché, and the perplexity upon his face grew to startled surprise as he caught my meaning glance.
"The last time I saw those sheets, monsieur, they were covered with writing."
"Ah!"
"Monsieur Desormes has been as good as his word; he has saved an innocent man from ruin. His pledge to you was written with this same ink, and faded away a few hours afterwards, leaving only the blank sheet. He has been as good as his word."
"And as good as his intent," Monsieur Roché responded. "He will overthrow the ministry. But for you, ma chère, this is a night of glowing and thrilling victory. Allow me to see you to your carriage."