His
passion for her, irritated by obstacles, goaded him to delirium.
On learning her condition, he lost his head and forgot all prudence
and reason. He was wearied, too, of a punishment which began anew
each morning; he saw himself lost, and his wife sacrificing herself
for the malignant pleasure of sacrificing him. Terrified, he took
the resolution to commit this murder."
Many of the circumstances which had established M. Lecoq's
conviction had escaped Dr. Gendron.
"What!" cried he, stupefied. "Do you believe in Mademoiselle
Laurence's complicity?"
The detective earnestly protested by a gesture.
"No, Doctor, certainly not; heaven forbid that I should have such
an idea. Mademoiselle Courtois was and is still ignorant of this
crime. But she knew that Tremorel would abandon his wife for her.
This flight had been discussed, planned, and agreed upon between
them; they made an appointment to meet at a certain place, on a
certain day."
"But this letter," said the doctor.
M. Plantat could scarcely conceal his emotion whet Laurence was
being talked about.
"This letter," cried he, "which has plunged her family into the
deepest grief, and which will perhaps kill poor Courtois, is only
one more scene of the infamous drama which the count has planned.
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