Floriot, walking like a drunken man, went out with M. Valmorin to the latter's little office. Noel tried to reach him, but he disappeared before he could cross the court. Dr. Chennel followed him and Raymond suddenly stopped them, returning from the door of the prisoner's room, where he had accompanied the woman.
The big hall was practically deserted. Helene had quickly recovered from her emotion in her pride in Raymond, but Rose wept inconsolably, and the girl led her out to the open air.
Raymond eagerly seized the hands of his father's friends.
"Do you think she will get off, doctor?" he asked, quickly.
"I hope so," responded the surgeon with an affectionate smile; "and if she does, she may I thank you, my boy!"
"Is that so?" he exclaimed, with a pleased little laugh and nervous toss of his head. "I thought I was awfully bad!"
"And I thought you were marvelous!" rejoined Noel, with unmistakable meaning. He was looking curiously at the young man's flushed and handsome face.
"Oh, come now!" protested Raymond.
"I mean it. You reached me—and not only me!" he added half to himself.
Raymond shook his hand with hearty gratitude.