The young lawyer did not find himself in an agreeable position. In the secret depths of his heart he would have infinitely preferred that Paul Desfrayne should remain bound. So long as his marriage was an unalterable fact, there was no fear of his carrying off Lois. There was scant hope for Frank himself, poor fellow; but he was asked to give his best aid toward demolishing the great bar to her union with this powerful rival. If she did not care for any one else--and he reflected with a sigh that she cared little for himself--the probability was that she would not raise any urgent objections toward fulfilling her dead benefactor’s wishes. But he was generous, and scorned to act a mean and dishonorable part. The cloud was dissipated from his grave, kind face by a sad smile, and he said: “You wish to ask my advice and assistance how to proceed?” “I shall be most thankful if you will give me your opinion as to how I ought to act,” answered his visitor. “Is there any chance of your being able to compel this--your--Madam Guiscardini to confess whether she has or has not destroyed the stolen register?” “None that I can see. She is of a most stubborn nature. Even if there were no particular object to be gained, I believe she would obstinately refuse to do or say anything that did not suit or please her.” “I am sincerely sorry for your cruel situation,” said Frank Amberley, in a tone of profound feeling. “Of that I am assured,” replied Paul Desfrayne; “and I come to you in the full confidence that you will help me to the utmost of your power.” “The register being, we will say, destroyed, there is no resource but to trace out the priest who married Lucia to her peasant lover?” “None.” “But the expense would be something frightful. There would probably be a great delay, and in the end perhaps the man might not be discovered.” “Could you form any idea of what the search might cost?” “It would necessarily depend on the persons employed. If I understood you aright, you have not trusted your servant, Gilardoni, with the secret of your own unhappy marriage?” “I have not. For one reason, I could not bear to humiliate myself; for another, I desired to consult you before moving a step or speaking a word.” “I am afraid you will be obliged to take him into your confidence. He is master of the circumstances; he would have the strongest motive for tracing out the missing person. He would probably be more economical and more devoted than any stranger could be. Send him, and let him be accompanied by a professional detective. Perhaps the search may not be such a lengthened one as you fear.” Paul Desfrayne reflected for a few moments. “I had already resolved to abide by your advice,” he said. “Let it be so. I would give all I have in the world to be free from the consequences of my own mad folly. When could he set out?” “As soon as he could make the necessary preparations. The sooner the better, I should say.”