carefully, and after convincing himself that
no one was listening,--"Do you," said he, "know anything of this young
lady's illness?"

"Yes," said the old man.

"We have no time to lose; I will question, and do you answer me."
Noirtier made a sign that he was ready to answer. "Did you anticipate
the accident which has happened to your granddaughter?"

"Yes." D'Avrigny reflected a moment; then approaching Noirtier,--"Pardon
what I am going to say," added he, "but no indication should be
neglected in this terrible situation. Did you see poor Barrois die?"
Noirtier raised his eyes to heaven. "Do you know of what he died!" asked
d'Avrigny, placing his hand on Noirtier's shoulder.

"Yes," replied the old man.

"Do you think he died a natural death?" A sort of smile was discernible
on the motionless lips of Noirtier.

"Then you have thought that Barrois was poisoned?"

"Yes."

"Do you think the poison he fell a victim to was intended for him?"

"No."

"Do you think the same hand which unintentionally struck Barrois has now
attacked Valentine?"

"Yes."

"Then will she die too?" asked d'Avrigny, fixing his penetrating gaze on
Noirtier. He watched the effect of this question on the old man. "No,"
replied he with an air of triumph which would have puzzled the most
clever diviner. "Then you hope?" said d'Avrigny, with surprise.

"Yes."

"What do you hope?" The old man made him understand with his eyes that
he could not answer. "Ah, yes, it is true," murmured d'Avrigny. Then,
turning to Noirtier,--"Do you hope the assassin will be tried?"

"No."

"Then you hope the poison will take no effect on Valentine?"

"Yes."

"It is no news to you," added d'Avrigny, "to tell you that an
attempt has been made to poison her?" The old man made a sign that he
entertained no doubt upon the subject. "Then how do you hope Valentine
will escape?" Noirtier kept his eyes steadfastly fixed on the same
spot. D'Avrigny followed the direction and saw that they were fixed on a
bottle containing the mixture which he took every morning. "Ah, indeed?"
said d'Avrigny, struck with a sudden thought, "has it occurred to
you"--Noirtier did not let him finish. "Yes," said he. "To prepare her
system to resist poison?"

"Yes."

"By accustoming her by degrees"--

"Yes, yes, yes," said Noirtier, delighted to be understood.

"Of course. I had told you that there was brucine in the mixture I give
you."

"Yes."

"And by accustoming her to