"
"Do not mention it, madam. There is a pleasure in doing one's duty,
which is superior to every other gratification."
"May I ask what prompted you to give such advice?" asked Dr. Vaudelier,
incredulously.
"The consciousness that my duty to this lady demanded it. It was not
exactly in keeping with the profession, I am aware; but I felt obliged
to sacrifice professional consistency to the call of justice," said the
attorney, in such a way as to leave it doubtful whether he was
perpetrating a jest or a moral axiom.
"Humph!" said the doctor, with a doubtful sneer.
"Principle before professional advantage, is my motto, sir," continued
De Guy.
"Pray, what gave you the first intimation that all was not right between
this lady and her uncle?"
"The voluntary confession of Mr. Dumont," replied De Guy, readily.
"You do not believe Mr. Dumont would have abandoned his purpose, just as
it was in the very act of being consummated, without a strong motive."
"True; I understand that the body-servant of the late Colonel Dumont is
upon this island.
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