Save at the bottom of the second sheet, where--as a sign of the writing
which in the day that had passed had faded, just legible--could be
discerned "sormes."
That was all that was left of the words that a day before covered the
sheet. The end of the man's signature. The rest had vanished.
I pointed it out to Monsieur Roche, and the perplexity upon his face
grew to startled surprise as he caught my meaning glance.
"The last time I saw those sheets, monsieur, they were covered with
writing."
"Ah!"
"Monsieur Desormes has been as good as his word; he has saved an
innocent man from ruin. His pledge to you was written with this same
ink, and faded away a few hours afterwards, leaving only the blank
sheet. He has been as good as his word."
"And as good as his intent," Monsieur Roche responded. "He will
overthrow the ministry. But for you, _ma chere_, this is a night of
glowing and thrilling victory. Allow me to see you to your carriage."