"You are mistaken, for in disturbing, by chance, a chest which stood on the floor, I found this portfolio, which probably had been hidden by the person whom you lodged there, who, not knowing how to dispose of these important papers, had deemed it wise to put them in this secret place during the time that he stayed at your house."
The barber looked with terror on the portfolio which Julia had drawn from beneath her cloak, while the marquis exclaimed,—
"Do these papers come from Blanche's father?"
"They come, in fact, from the person who brought that young girl to the barber's house. Seigneur, read first that one."
Julia gave a paper to Villebelle, who uttered a cry of surprise as he read,—
"Certificate of the birth of Blanche, daughter of Estrelle Delmar."
"O my God!" said the marquis, breathing with difficulty, "can it be?"
"Wait, seigneur, do you know Estrelle's writing?"
"Yes, that is it, I recognize it."
"Read this note."