Fougereuse trembled with fear and his teeth chattered as he stammeringly said:
"I—do not—understand—you."
"Then listen. The papers are drafts whose signatures have been forged by the Vicomte de Talizac, and which are in our hands."
"Drafts? Forged drafts? Impossible—my son is not a criminal!" cried the marquis, desperately.
"Ask the vicomte," replied Velletri, coldly, and rising, he added: "Marquis, I give you time to consider. As soon as you have made up your mind, please be so kind as to let me know."
"One moment, count. Are your conditions unchangeable?"
"Perfectly so. Inside of the next five days the preliminary steps must be taken in the Chamber of Peers—"
"I will do them to-morrow," cried the marquis, hastily.
"But only in case you are able to give the necessary guarantee. Marquis, adieu!"
The Italian went away, and Fougereuse, entirely broken down, remained behind.