Chapter 23

“You can see now why Monsieur Vernisson is so afraid lest Madame Honorine should learn of his present plight. What would her attitude be on hearing that her faithless husband is suspected of theft on account of his late beloved?” Poor Monsieur Vernisson was mourning openly—partly no doubt for Angélique, and even more at the thought of his wife’s wrath. His concern was all with this aspect of the affair, and he seemed oblivious of the main issue. Béchoux, the baron and the Abbé Dessole all listened intently. “This,”…