They were there intact, as he had picked them up upon that fateful night.

Was there any possible chance by means of which he might discover the owner and restore them in such a way that his name might never be mentioned?
His eyes repeatedly sought that envelope which lay before him.
Inside it must lie the secret of the whole tragedy.

Should he risk everything and break the seal, or should he risk perhaps as much and tell the whole truth to Mademoiselle Idiale?
It was a strange dilemma for a man to find himself in.
Then, as he sat there, the business of the day commenced.

A pile of letters was brought in, the telephones in the outer office began to ring.

He thrust the sealed envelope into the breast-pocket of his coat and buttoned it up.