In the event of her death, this money
shall revert to the parish of Pontiac, in whose graveyard I wish my body
to lie. The balance of my estate, whatever it may now be, or may prove to
be hereafter, I leave to Pierre Napoleon, third son of Lucien Bonaparte,
Prince of Canino, of whom I cherish a reverent remembrance."
A few words more ended the will, and the name of a bank in New York was
given as agent. Then there was silence in the room, and Valmond appeared
to sleep.
Presently the avocat, thinking that he might wish to be alone with the
Cure, stepped quietly to the door and opened it upon Madame Chalice. She
pressed his hand, her eyes full of tears, passed inside the room, going
softly to a shadowed corner, and sat watching the passive figure on the
bed.
What were the thoughts of this man, now that his adventure was over and
his end near? If he were in very truth a prince, how pitiable, how
paltry! What cheap martyrdom! If an impostor, had the game been worth the
candle?--Death seemed a coin of high value for this short, vanished
comedy. The man alone could answer, for the truth might not be known,
save by the knowledge that comes with the end of all.
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