"Listen again: I hated my cashier, Francois Germain. One night he took from
me a little gold, which he returned the next day; but to ruin him, I
accused him of having robbed me of a considerable sum. I was believed, he
was thrown into prison. Now my honor is at your mercy."

"Oh, you love me, Jacques, you love me. To inform me thus of your
secrets--what empire I must have over you! I will not be ungrateful; let me
kiss this forehead, where so many infernal thoughts were created."

"Oh!" cried the notary, stammering, "if the scaffold stood there, ready, I
would not draw back. Listen again: this child, Fleur-de-Marie, once
abandoned, crosses my path--she inspires me with fears; I have had her
killed!"

"You? How? where?"

"A few days since--near Asnieres Bridge, by Ravageurs' Island. One named
Martial drowned her in a boat. Are these details sufficient? do you believe
me?"

"Oh! demon from hell: you alarm, yet attract me. You inspire me. What is,
then, your power?"

"Listen again: before that a man had confided to me a hundred thousand
crowns. I set a trap for him. I blew his brains out. I proved that he
committed suicide, and I denied the deposit which his sister the Baroness
de Fermont reclaimed. Now my life is at your mercy--open."

"Jacques, I adore you!" said the Creole, with warmth.