Meanwhile, in another room of the hotel, a stormy discussion was taking place. It was necessary for M. Deshoulieres to greet the two gentlemen with the information that the notary had left Charville unexpectedly, and that it was not in his power to produce the will. M. Saint-Martin broke out in passionate terms at once. "So, monsieur, and this is the end! Do not suppose that I have come here to be trifled with." "M. Deshoulieres must be aware," interrupted the cure in his frigid tones, "that he stands in a strange position." "M. le Cure, I am perfectly aware. M. Saint-Martin has--not a right, but a certain amount of excuse for what would otherwise be unpardonable expressions. But when I have said this, I have said all. Events have conspired to bring about this false position, and a very short time will, I suppose, set it right. Meanwhile, I claim the courtesy and the trust which is due from one gentleman to another." "From one gentleman!--yes," sneered Fabien. "_Pardon_, monsieur; I was not aware that you considered yourself beyond that pale." Fabien, who was white with rage, would have answered fiercely, but the cure again interfered. "Messieurs, the interests of both require something more than a battle of words." "You are right," said Max, turning frankly towards him. "I regret what I said. The delay is just as vexatious to me as to you--more so, in fact, since it seems to create suspicions which are certainly not agreeable for me to hear--but we had better meet it like reasonable beings. It is possible that I can obtain the keys from Madame Roulleau to-morrow--at all events learn where her husband is, and telegraph for him at once. If you return to Maury, I will give you the earliest information; if, on the contrary, you prefer to remain in Charville, you will have the satisfaction of being on the spot, and able to adopt whatever measures you think advisable--for the security of your inheritance," added the doctor, with a little mockery in his smile, which was not lost upon the cure. Monsieur Saint-Martin, not having recovered himself, answered sharply: "Certainly I do not choose to remain in this city of the plague. My lawyer will be here to-day; and as to further proceedings, I shall be guided by him. He may suggest immediate action." "I should recommend your carrying it out at once," replied M. Deshoulieres gravely. Fabien, who hated ridicule, looked quickly at him to see whether he was serious or not, and could not satisfy himself. "It is unendurable," he muttered. "After having all one's life been pestered by the vagaries of an old man, he might at least have spared his ridiculous restraints when he was dead, and could find no pleasure in them." "Is Mademoiselle Veuillot here?" asked the cure, looking up. "She is. She is in the next room." "What do you propose to do?" said Fabien, disregarding.