“ M. Noirtier,” resumed M. d’Avrigny in the same pitiless tone⁠—“ M. Noirtier had once made a will against you⁠—against your family⁠—in favor of the poor, in fact; M. Noirtier is spared, because nothing is expected from him. But he has no sooner destroyed his first will and made a second, than, for fear he should make a third, he is struck down. The will was made the day before yesterday, I believe; you see there has been no time lost.”

“Oh, mercy, M. d’Avrigny!”