'"
"It seems to me," remarked old Tabaret, "that he might have left that to
you to say, and with more reason and justice."
"No, my friend, for he is more ill-used than I. I have not been lowered,
for I did not know, whilst he! . . . ."
The old police agent nodded his head, he had to hide his thoughts, and
they were stifling him.
"At length," resumed Noel, after a rather long pause, "I asked him what
he proposed doing. 'Listen,' he said, 'I expect my father in about eight
or ten days. You will allow me this delay. As soon as he returns I will
have an explanation with him, and justice shall be done. I give you my
word of honour. Take back your letters and leave me to myself. This news
has utterly overwhelmed me. In a moment I lose everything: a great
name that I have always borne as worthily as possible, a magnificent
position, an immense fortune, and, more than all that, perhaps, the
woman who is dearer to me than life. In exchange, it is true, I shall
find a mother. We will console each other. And I will try, sir, to make
her forget you, for she must love you, and will miss you.'"
"Did he really say that?"
"Almost word for word.
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