No word of direct accusation had passed, and yet the Count sought to
defend himself.

Mascarin saw all this, and smiled inwardly, as he replied, "We have
other evidence than that of Ludovic."

"But," said the Count, who was sure of the fidelity of his friend, "you
do not, I suppose, pretend that the Baron de Clinchain has deceived me?"

The state of mental anxiety and perturbation into which this man of the
world had been thrown must have been very intense for him not to
have perceived that every word he uttered put a fresh weapon in his
adversary's hands.

"He has not denounced you by word of mouth," replied the agent. "He has
done far more; he has written his testimony."

"It is a lie," exclaimed the Count.

Mascarin was not disturbed by this insult.

"The Baron has written," repeated he, "though he never thought that any
eye save his own would read what he had penned. As you are aware,
the Baron de Clinchain is a most methodical man, and punctilious to a
degree."

"I allow that; continue."

"Consequently you will not be surprised to learn that from his earliest
years he has kept a diary, and each day he puts down in the most minute