If these letters are really written
by my father, as I believe them to be, they distinctly prove that I am
not the son of the Countess de Commarin.' I did not answer. 'Meanwhile,'
continued he, 'these are only presumptions. Are you possessed of
other proofs?' I expected, of course, a great many other objections.
'Germain,' said I, 'can speak.' He told me that Germain had been dead
for several years. Then I spoke of the nurse, Widow Lerouge--I explained
how easily she could be found and questioned, adding that she lived at
La Jonchere."
"And what said he, Noel, to this?" asked old Tabaret anxiously.
"He remained silent at first, and appeared to reflect. All on a sudden
he struck his forehead, and said, 'I remember; I know her. I have
accompanied my father to her house three times, and in my presence he
gave her a considerable sum of money.' I remarked to him that this was
yet another proof. He made no answer, but walked up and down the room.
At length he turned towards me, saying, 'Sir, you know M. de Commarin's
legitimate son?' I answered: 'I am he.' He bowed his head and murmured
'I thought so.' He then took my hand and added, 'Brother, I bear you no
ill will for this.
Pages:
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122