"Would they not be glad to help you?"

"They might. But I have mentioned the matter to no one."

"To no one?"

"Except you."

"Well?"

"Well, Madame Rapally--I hope I don't understand you; it's not possible;
you would not humiliate me. Come, come, it's a riddle, and I am too
stupid to solve it. I give it up. Don't tantalise me any longer; tell
me the name."

The widow, somewhat abashed by this exhibition of delicacy on the part of
Maitre Quennebert, blushed, cast down her eyes, and did not venture to
speak.

As the silence lasted some time, it occurred to the notary that he had
been perhaps too hasty in his supposition, and he began to cast round for
the best means of retrieving his blunder.

"You do not speak," he said; "I see it was all a joke."

"No," said the widow at last in a timid voice, "it was no joke; I was
quite in earnest. But the way you take things is not very encouraging."

"What do you mean?"