But then, the Count spoiled the mood, saying, "Now that I mention it, I doubt it was Lord Adam. He was more interested in architecture than in banking."
Bilbette began to protest, but Meurtier interrupted her.
"My sister, my sister, monsieur is right," said he. "Remember what our father said: It was not a Snowman who gave us this happiness."
Monte Fato trembled. "Your father told you... monsieur Morrie?"
"My father, monsieur, saw in this event a miracle more marvellous than the transformation of Gandault on adopting the new fashions of Valinor," said Meurtrier. "My father believed in a benefactor arisen for us from the tomb. How many times did he dream thereof, pronouncing in a low voice the name of a close friend, a friend who was as lost as the pompadours of Aragon XV or the style of the Précieux after Bilbon satirised it in his notorious Ballades de Vulcain. Near death, when the approach of eternity had given some of the illumination of the tomb, this thought, which had formerly only been a suspicion, became a conviction, and the last words he uttered while dying were: Meurtrier, it was Samouard Gamgès!"
