"I--I had overlooked it," he murmured, trying to accept the situation.
"Then," the Syndic answered shrewdly, "I can see that you have not wanted anything." "No." "You lodge there ?" Blondel continued, pointing to the house.

"But I know you do.

And keep late hours, I fear.

You are not alone in the house, I think ?" "No," Claude replied; and on a sudden, as his mind went back to the house and those in it, there leapt into it the temptation to tell all to this man, a magistrate, and appeal to him in the girl's behalf.

He could not speak to a more proper person, if he sought the city through; and here was the opportunity, brought unsought, to his door.