Having hastily written the note
he handed it to his valet, and ordered him to send at once to Madame
d'Arlange, He then asked me to pass into the next room, which was his
library."
"One word," interrupted the old fellow; "was he troubled on seeing the
letters?"
"Not the least in the world. After carefully closing the door, he
pointed to a chair, seated himself, and said, 'Now, sir, explain
yourself.' I had had time to prepare myself for this interview whilst
waiting in the ante-room. I had decided to go straight to the point.
'Sir,' said I, 'my mission is painful. The facts I am about to reveal to
you are incredible. I beg you, do not answer me until you have read the
letters I have here. I beseech you, above all, to keep calm.' He looked
at me with an air of extreme surprise, and answered, 'Speak! I can hear
all.' I stood up, and said, 'Sir, I must inform you that you are not the
legitimate son of M. de Commarin, as this correspondence will prove to
you. The legitimate son exists; and he it is who sends me.' I kept my
eyes on his while speaking, and I saw there a passing gleam of fury.
For a moment I thought he was about to spring at my throat.
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