"It does not matter. I would never have worn the thing again; but it was a pretty plot between them." "The duke had no thought," I began, "but that--" "Oh, I meant between mother and daughter," said the duchess. "The mother gets the diamonds from my husband; the daughter, it seems, Mr. Aycon, is likely to get respectability from you; and I suppose they will share the respective benefits when this trouble has blown over." It was no use to be angry with her; to confess the truth, I felt that anger would come ill from me. So I did but say very quietly: "I think you are wrong. Mlle. Delhasse knew nothing of her mother's device." "You do not deny all of what I say," observed the duchess. "Mlle. Delhasse," I returned, "is in no need of what you suggest; but I hope that she will be my wife." "And some day," said the duchess, "you will see the necklace--or perhaps that would not be safe. Madame will send the money." "When it happens," said I, "on my honor, I will write and tell you." The duchess, with a toss of her head which meant "Well, I'm right and you're wrong," rose from her seat. "I must take poor Armand home," said she. "M. de Berensac is going with me. Will you accompany us?" "If you will give me a delay of one hour, I will most willingly." "What have you to do in that hour, Mr. Aycon?" "I purpose to escort Mlle. Delhasse back to the convent and leave her there. I suppose we shall all have to answer some questions in regard to this sad matter, and where can she stay near Avranches save there?" "She certainly can't come to my house," said the duchess. "It would be impossible under the circumstances," I agreed. "Under any circumstances," said the duchess haughtily. By this time a covered conveyance had been procured, and when the duchess, having fired her last scornful remark at me, walked to the door of the inn, the body of the duke was being placed in it. Gustave de Berensac assisted the servant, and their task was just accomplished when Jacques Bontet was carried by two of the police to the door. The man was alive and would recover, they said, and be able to stand his trial. But as yet no news had come of the fortune that attended the pursuit of Raymond Pinceau, otherwise known as Pierre. It was conjectured that he must have had a boat waiting for him at or near the Mount, and, gaining it, had for the moment at least made good his escape. "But we shall find about that from Bontet," said one of them, with a complacent nod at the fellow who lay still in a sort of stupor, with blood-stained bandages round his head. I stood by the door of the duchess' carriage, in which she and Gustave were to follow the body of the duke, and when she came to step in I offered her my hand. But she would have none of it. She got in unassisted, and Gustave followed her. They were about to move off, when suddenly, running from the house in wild dismay, came Marie Delhasse, and caring for none of those who stood round, she seized my arm, crying: