How did he gain this wonderful power of controlling events to suit his
own purposes?

He seemed to have anticipated everything, to know everything. He was
acquainted with Cavaillon, he knew all Madeleine's movements; he had
made even Gypsy become humble and submissive.

Thinking all this, Prosper had reached such a degree of exasperation,
that when M. Verduret entered the little parlor, he strode toward him
white with rage, and in a harsh, threatening voice, said to him:

"Who are you?"

The stout man did not show any surprise at this burst of anger, but
quietly answered:

"A friend of your father's; did you not know it?"

"That is no answer, monsieur; I have been surprised into being
influenced by a stranger, and now--"

"Do you want my biography, what I have been, what I am, and what I may
be? What difference does it make to you? I told you that I would save
you; the main point is that I am saving you."

"Still I have the right to ask by what means you are saving me."

"What good will it do you to know what my plans are?"

"In order to decide whether I will accept or reject them?"

"But suppose I guarantee success?"

"That is not sufficient, monsieur. I do not choose to be any longer
deprived of my own free will, to be exposed without warning to trials
like those I have undergone to-day. A man of my age must know what he is
doing."

"A man of your age, Prosper, when he is blind, takes a guide, and does
not undertake to point out the way to his leader."

The half-bantering, half-commiserating tone of M. Verduret was not
calculated to calm Prosper's irritation.

"That being the case, monsieur," he cried, "I will thank you for your
past services, and decline them for the future, as I have no need of
them. If I attempted to defend my honor and my life, it was because
I hoped that Madeleine would be restored to me. I have been convinced
to-day that all is at an end between us; I retire from the struggle, and
care not what becomes of me now."

Prosper was so decided, that M. Verduret seemed alarmed.

"You must be mad," he finally said.

"No, unfortunately I am not. Madeleine has ceased to love me, and of
what importance is anything else?"

His heart-broken tone aroused M. Verduret's sympathy, and he said, in a
kind, soothing tone:

"Then you suspect nothing? You did not fathom the meaning of what she
said?"

"You were listening," cried Prosper fiercely.

"I certainly was."

"Monsieur!"