Page 15 (1/2)

I begged M Duval to sit down by the fire; he did so, and, taking his

handkerchief from his pocket, hid his face in it for a mohing sadly, "for

what purpose an unknown visitor, at such an hour, in such a costume, and

in tears, can have coreat service"

"Speak on, sir, I am entirely at your disposal"

"You were present at the sale of Marguerite Gautier?"

At this word the eot the better of for an instant,

was too ed to cover his eyes with his

hand

"I must seem to you very absurd," he added, "but pardon et the patience hich you have listened to

me"

"Sir," I answered, "if the service which I can render you is able to

lessen your trouble a little, tell me at once what I can do for you, and

you will find e you"

M Duval's sorroas sy hi at Marguerite's sale?"

"Yes, a book"