"Why not? I like sad things too; I like plays that make you cry. Oh! Monsieur Larose, do tell us the story."
"With pleasure, mademoiselle!"
I trembled lest Balloquet should disclose what I had concealed from Frédérique. He did not know that the man of the ring was Monsieur Dauberny; but if he should mention the name Bouqueton, Frédérique would know at once that the man was her husband. I tried to make signs to Balloquet to hold his peace; but he did not look at me, and began his tale.
Frédérique said nothing; but she watched us closely and did not lose a word of what the young doctor said. Stammering and hesitating a little, he told poor Annette's story; but he did not mention the assassin's name.
"What a ghastly story!" exclaimed Frédérique, with a shudder.
"It's horrible!" cried Rosette. "Oh! what an abominable man! But didn't the poor girl tell you his name?"
"Yes, yes," replied Balloquet, "she told us. The devil take the name! Would you believe that I can't remember it?—But you know it, Rochebrune, as you know the man."
"You know that villain, Charles? Oh! but you must have had him arrested, then?"
"No, I could not; we have no evidence."
"But what about that ring that he gave the poor girl?"