He had found them and had burnt them with the other
papers, in the little stove. The old amateur detective was beginning to
understand.
"All the same," said he, "from what I know of your affairs, which I
think I know as well as my own, it appears to me that the count has not
overwell kept the dazzling promises of fortune he made Madame Gerdy on
your behalf."
"He never even kept them in the least degree, my old friend."
"That now," cried the old fellow indignantly, "is even more infamous
than all the rest."
"Do not accuse my father," answered Noel gravely; "his connection with
Madame Gerdy lasted a long time. I remember a haughty-looking man who
used sometimes to come and see me at school, and who could be no other
than the count. But the rupture came."
"Naturally," sneered M. Tabaret, "a great nobleman--"
"Wait before judging," interrupted the advocate. "M. de Commarin had his
reasons. His mistress was false to him, he learnt it, and cast her
off with just indignation. The ten lines which I mentioned to you were
written then."
Noel searched a considerable time among the papers scattered upon the
table, and at length selected a letter more faded and creased than the
others.
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