“Terrible misfortune! Master Jacques accused of having set the chateau
at Valpinson on fire, and murdered Count Claudieuse. Terrible evidence
against him. When examined, hardly any defence. Just arrested and
carried to jail. In despair. What must I do?”
The marchioness had feared lest the marquis should have been crushed
by this despatch, which in its laconic terms betrayed Anthony’s abject
terror. But it was not so. He put it back on the table in the calmest
manner, and said, shrugging his shoulders,--
“It is absurd!”