He was about to obtain all the information, which half an hour ago he had almost despaired of procuring.

He remained seated before Noel amazed and speechless.

Yet he understood, that, unless he would compromise himself, he must speak.
"It is a great misfortune," he murmured at last.
"What it is for Madame Gerdy, I cannot say," replied Noel with a gloomy air; "but, for me, it is an overwhelming misfortune! I am struck to the heart by the blow which has slain this poor woman.

Her death, M.
Tabaret, has annihilated all my dreams of the future, and probably overthrown my most cherished hopes.

I had to avenge myself for cruel injuries; her death breaks the weapon in my hands, and reduces me to despair, to impotence.