And as
Constance had risen, satisfied with knowing the truth, and anxious that
the three men might not find her there on their arrival, the accountant
likewise quitted his chair, and accompanied her along the gallery which
she had to follow in order to return to her house.
"I give you my word of honor, madame," said Morange, "that the young man
has made no base calculations in the matter. All the papers pass through
my hands, and nobody could know more than I know myself. Besides, if I
had entertained the slightest doubt of any machination, I should have
endeavored to requite your kindness by warning you."
She no longer listened to him, however; in fact, she was anxious to get
rid of him, for all at once the long-threatening rain had begun to fall
violently, lashing the glass roof. So dark a mass of clouds had
overspread the sky that it was almost night in the gallery, though four
o'clock had scarcely struck. And it occurred to Constance that in
presence of such a deluge the three men would certainly take a cab. So
she hastened her steps, still followed, however, by the accountant.
"For instance," he continued, "when it was a question of drawing up the
agreement--"
But he suddenly paused, gave vent to a hoarse exclamation, and stopped
her, pulling her back as if in terror.
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