He felt that he might commit the most serious blunders.

Why had he undertaken this investigation?
Could he preserve himself quite free from bias?
Did he think his will would be perfectly impartial?
Gladly would he put off to another time the further examination of the count; but could he?
His conscience told him that this would be another blunder.

He renewed, then, the painful examination.
"Sir," said he, "the sentiments expressed by the viscount are very fine, without doubt; but did he not mention Widow Lerouge ?" "Yes," replied the count, who appeared suddenly to brighten, as by the remembrance of some unnoticed circumstances,--"yes, certainly." "He must have shown you that this woman's testimony rendered a struggle with M.Gerdy impossible." "Precisely; sir; and, aside from the question of duty, it was upon that that he based his refusal to follow my wishes." "It will be necessary, count, for you to repeat to me very exactly all that passed between the viscount and yourself.

Appeal, then, I beseech you, to your memory, and try to repeat his own words as nearly as possible." M.de Commarin could do so without much difficulty.

For some little time, a salutary reaction had taken place within him.