wouldn't
let his satisfaction be seen, and it was in a still harsher voice that
he resumed.

"I have no claim, sir, upon your affection; I do not ask for it, but I
insist at all times upon the utmost deference. It is traditional in our
house, that a son shall never interrupt his father when he is speaking;
that, you have just been guilty of. Neither do children judge their
parents; that also you have just done. When I was forty years of age my
father was in his second childhood; but I do not remember ever having
raised my voice above his. This said, I continue. I provided the
necessary funds for the expenses of Albert's household completely,
distinct from my own, for he had his own servants, horses, and
carriages; and besides that I allowed the unhappy boy four thousand
francs a month. I have decided in order to put a stop to all foolish
gossip, and to make your position the easier, that you should live on
a grander scale; this matter concerns myself. Further, I will increase
your monthly allowance to six thousand francs; which I trust you
will spend as nobly as possible, giving the least possible cause for
ridicule. I cannot too strongly exhort you to the utmost caution. Keep
close watch over yourself. Weigh your words well. Study your slightest
actions. You will be the point of observation of the thousands of
impertinent idlers who compose our world; your blunders will be their
delight. Do you fence?"

"Moderately well."

"That will do! Do you ride?"

"No; but in six months I will be a good horseman, or break my neck."

"You must become a horseman, and not break anything. Let us proceed.
You will, of course, not occupy Albert's apartments. They will be walled
off, as soon as I am free of the police. Thank heaven! the house is
large. You will occupy the other wing; and there will be a separate
entrance to your apartments, by another staircase. Servants, horses,
carriages, furniture, such as become a viscount, will be at your
service, cost what it may, within forty-eight hours. On the day of your
taking possession, you must look as though you had been installed there
for years. There will be a great scandal; but that cannot be avoided. A
prudent father might send you away for a few months to the Austrian or
Russian courts; but, in this instance, such prudence would be absurd.
Much better a dreadful outcry, which ends quickly, than low murmurs
which last forever. Dare public opinion; and, in eight days, it will
ha