Wildly she sprung up--she clasped her hands together.
"My God, I thank thee, we are saved!" broke from her parched lips, and she sunk senseless at Mr.Hamilton's feet.
Emissaries of wickedness were not wanting to convey the intelligence very quickly to Dupont's ear, that Mrs.and Miss Greville had departed from the Rue Royale, under the protection of an English gentleman, who had stationed two of his servants at their house to protect Mr.
Greville's body from insult, and give him information of all that took place during his absence.

Furiously enraged, Dupont hastened to know the truth of these reports, and a scene of fierce altercation took place between him and Mr.Hamilton.The calm, steady firmness of his unexpected opponent daunted Dupont as much as his cool sarcastic bitterness galled him to the quick.

The character of the man was known; he was convinced he dared not bring down shame on the memory of Greville, without inculpating himself, without irretrievably injuring his own character, and however he might use that threat as his weapon to compel Mary's submission, Mr.Hamilton was perfectly easy on that head.
Dupont's cowardly nature very soon evinced itself.

A few words from Mr.
Hamilton convinced him that his true character had been penetrated, and dreading exposure, he changed his ground and his tone, acknowledged he had been too violent, but that his admiration for Miss Greville had been the sole cause; expressed deep sorrow for Mr.Greville's melancholy end, disavowed all intention of preventing the interment of the body, and finally consented to liquidate all debts, save those which the sale of the house and furniture might suffice to discharge.
Scarcely could Mr.Hamilton command his indignation during this interview, or listen to Dupont's professions, excuses, defences, and concessions, without losing temper.

He would not consent to be under any obligation: if M.Dupont could _prove_ that more was owing than that which he had consented to receive, it should be paid directly, but he should institute inquiries as to the legality of his claims, and carefully examine all the papers of the deceased.
"It was not at all necessary," Dupont replied.