"
"Whoever he may be," said the abbe, "I am certain that he stands very high
in the esteem of M. Ferrand."
"This honest man is indeed, M. l'Abbe, placed very high in my esteem,"
answered the notary, with a bitterness badly disguised.
"And this is not all, M. l'Abbe," said Polidori, looking at Jacques Ferrand
in a significant manner; "you will see how far these generous scruples of
this unknown extend; and, if I must speak plainly, I suspect our friend of
having contributed not a little to awaken these scruples, and of having
found the names to calm them."
"How is that?" asked the priest.
"What do you mean to say?" added the notary.
"And the Morels? this good and virtuous family."
"Ah! yes, yes; in truth, I forgot," said Jacques Ferrand, in a hollow
voice.
"Imagine, M. l'Abbe," resumed Polidori, "that the author of this
restitution, without doubt advised by Jacques Ferrand, not content with
restoring this considerable sum, wishes still--but I will leave my worthy
friend to explain; it is a pleasure of which I will not deprive him."
"I listen to you, my dear M. Ferrand," said the priest.
"You know," said Jacques Ferrand, with involuntary emotions of revolt
against the part which was imposed on him--feelings which were betrayed by
the alteration of his voice and the hesitancy of his speech; "you know, M.
l'Abbe, that the misconduct of Louise Morel was such a terrible blow for
her father, that he has become mad.
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