love!"

"And what of that? She would have brought you four millions in her
apron,--more than the kings of to-day give their daughters. Besides
which she had great expectations."

The discussion upon this subject would have been interminable, had
Albert taken an active share in it; but his thoughts were far away. He
answered from time to time so as not to appear absolutely dumb, and then
only a few syllables. This absence of opposition was more irritating to
the count than the most obstinate contradiction. He therefore directed
his utmost efforts to excite his son to argue.

However he was vainly prodigal of words, and unsparing in unpleasant
allusions, so that at last he fairly lost his temper, and, on receiving
a laconic reply, he burst forth: "Upon my word, the butler's son would
say the same as you! What blood have you in your veins? You are more
like one of the people than a Viscount de Commarin!"

There are certain conditions of mind in which the least conversation
jars upon the nerves. During the last hour, Albert had suffered an
intolerable punishment. The patience with which he had armed himself at
last escaped him.

"Well, sir," he answered, "if I resemble one of the people, there are
perhaps good reasons for it."

The glance with which the viscount accompanied his speech was so
expressive that the count experienced a sudden shock. All his animation
forsook him, and in a hesitating voice, he asked: "What is that you say,
viscount?"

Albert had no sooner uttered the sentence than he regretted his
precipitation, but he had gone too far to stop.

"Sir," he replied with some embarrassment, "I have to acquaint you with
some important matters. My honour, yours, the honour of our house, are
involved. I intended postponing this conversation till to-morrow, not
desiring to trouble you on the evening of your return. However, as you
wish me to explain, I will do so."

The count listened with ill-concealed anxiety. He seemed to have divined
what his son was about to say, and was terrified at himself for having
divined it.

"Believe me, sir," continued Albert slowly, "whatever may have been
your acts, my voice will never be raised to reproach you. Your constant
kindness to me--"

M. de Commarin held up his hand. "A truce to preambles; let me have the
facts without phrases," said he sternly.

Albert was some time without answering, he hesitated how to commence.

"Sir," said he at length, "during your absence