Denise and Louis went to the upper town cautiously, about four o’clock that afternoon, gliding along in the shadow of the houses. The poor girl dared not raise her eyes, fearing to meet the glances of those who had seen her brother’s execution. After calling on Monsieur Bonnet, who in spite of his weakness, consented to serve as father and guardian to Denise in the matter, they all went to the lawyer’s house in the rue de la Comedie. “Good-morning, my poor children,” said the lawyer, bowing to Monsieur Bonnet; “how can I be of service to you? Perhaps you would like me to claim your brother’s body and send it to you?” “No, monsieur,” replied Denise, weeping at an idea which had never yet occurred to her. “I come to pay his debt to you--so far, at least, as money can pay an eternal debt.” “Pray sit down,” said the lawyer; noticing that Denise and the rector were still standing. Denise turned away to take from her corset two notes of five hundred francs each, which were fastened by a pin to her chemise; then she sat down and offered them to her brother’s defender. The rector gave the lawyer a flashing look which was instantly moistened by a tear. “Keep the money for yourself, my poor girl,” said the lawyer. “The rich do not pay so generously for a lost cause.” “Monsieur,” said Denise, “I cannot obey you.” “Then the money is not yours?” said the lawyer. “You are mistaken,” she replied, looking at Monsieur Bonnet as if to know whether God would be angry at the lie. The rector kept his eyes lowered. “Well, then,” said the lawyer, taking one note of five hundred francs and offering the other to the rector, “I will share it with the poor. Now, Denise, change this one, which is really mine,” he went on, giving her the note, “for your velvet ribbon and your gold cross. I will hang the cross above my mantel to remind me of the best and purest young girl’s heart I have ever known in my whole experience as a lawyer.” “I will give it to you without selling it,” cried Denise, taking off her _jeannette_ and offering it to him. “Monsieur,” said the rector, “I accept the five hundred francs to pay for the exhumation of the poor lad’s body and its transportation to Montegnac. God has no doubt pardoned him, and Jean will rise with my flock on that last day when the righteous and the repentant will be called together to the right hand of the Father.” “So be it,” replied the lawyer. He took Denise by the hand and drew her toward him to kiss her forehead; but the action had another motive.