Again the Count started, but Mascarin went on implacably,--

"But reassure yourself, your friend did not betray you voluntarily.
Providence, in her inscrutable decrees----"

The Count shuddered.

"In short, sir, in short----"

Up to this time Mascarin had remained standing, but now that he saw that
his position was fully established, he drew up a chair and sat down.
The Count grew more livid at this insolent act, but made no comment, and
this entirely removed any doubts from the agent's mind.

"The event to which I have alluded has two eye-witnesses, the Baron de
Clinchain, and a servant, named Ludovic Trofin, now in the employ of the
Count du Commarin."

"I did not know what had become of Trofin."

"Perhaps not, but my people do. When he swore to keep the matter secret,
he was unmarried, but a few years later, having entered the bonds of
matrimony, he told all to his young wife. This woman turned out badly;
she had several lovers, and through one of them the matter came to my
employer's ears."

"And it was on the word of a lackey, and the gossip of a dissolute
woman, that they have dared to accuse me."