"But you will not fail," interrupted the other, lighting a taper and sealing the parchment. "Now sign it."
Auriol mechanically took the pen, and gazed fixedly on the document.
"I shall bring eternal destruction on myself if I sign it," he muttered.
"A stroke of the pen will rescue you from utter ruin," said Rougemont, leaning over his shoulder. "Riches and happiness are yours. You will not have such another chance."
"Tempter!" cried Auriol, hastily attaching his signature to the paper. But he instantly started back aghast at the fiendish laugh that rang in his ears.
"I repent—give it me back!" he cried, endeavouring to snatch the parchment, which Rougemont thrust into his bosom.
"It is too late!" cried the latter, in a triumphant tone. "You are mine—irredeemably mine."
"Ha!" exclaimed Auriol, sinking back on the couch.
"I leave you in possession of your house," pursued Rougemont; "but I shall return in a week, when I shall require my first victim."
"Your first victim! oh, Heaven!" exclaimed Auriol.