er with mutual distrust, each
striving to gather something of the other's thoughts.

M. Daburon had augured better results from this meeting, which he had
been awaiting ever since the count's arrival. He had expected that this
abrupt presentation would bring about an intensely pathetic scene, which
would not give his two witnesses time for reflection. The count
would open his arms: Noel would throw himself into them; and this
reconciliation would only await the sanction of the tribunals, to be
complete.

The coldness of the one, the embarrassment of the other, disconcerted
his plans. He therefore thought it necessary to intervene.

"Count," said he reproachfully, "remember that it was only a few minutes
ago that you admitted that M. Gerdy was your legitimate son."

M. de Commarin made no reply; to judge from his lack of emotion, he
could not have heard.

So Noel, summoning all his courage, ventured to speak first,--"Sir," he
stammered, "I entertain no--"

"You may call me father," interrupted the haughty old man, in a tone
which was by no means affectionate. Then addressing the magistrate he
said: "Can I be of any further use to you, sir?"

"Only to hear your evidence read over," replied M. Daburon, "and to sign
it if you find everything correct. You can proceed, Constant," he added.

The tall clerk turned half round on his chair and commenced. He had
a peculiar way of jabbering over what he had scrawled. He read very
quickly, all at a stretch, without paying the least attention to either
full stops or commas, questions or replies; but went on reading as long
as his breath lasted. When he could go on no longer, he took a breath,
and then continued as before. Unconsciously, he reminded one of a diver,
who every now and then raises his head above water, obtains a supply of
air, and disappears again. Noel was the only one to listen attentively
to the reading, which to unpractised ears was unintelligible. It
apprised him of many things which it was important for him to know. At
last Constant pronounced the words, "In testimony whereof," etc., which
end all official reports in France.

He handed the pen to the count, who signed without hesitation. The old
nobleman then turned towards Noel.

"I am not very strong," he said; "you must therefore, my son,"
emphasizing the word, "help your father to his carriage."

The young advocate advanced eagerly. His face brightened, as he passed
the count's arm through his own.