"I wish to thank you, young man," said the Marquis, turning to Fanfar, "for saving my life."
Fanfar answered courteously.
"You were in peril. I only did my duty."
"Do not forget that if I can ever serve you, you are to apply to me without hesitation," said the Marquis, and bowing he left the room.
Fanfar and Gudel were now alone.
Cyprien waited for his master, who seized him by the arm and dragged him into the room where they had talked together in the morning.
"Cyprien," he whispered, fiercely, "hell has come to our aid; this young man who saved my life, this Fanfar—"
"Well?"
"Is the son of Simon Fougère—the son of my brother!"
My readers will please remember that only Françoise knew the secret of the birth of little Jacques, who was supposed to be the son of Simon. And of Françoise, the fire had destroyed every trace.