"
"You will never obtain it."
"You think not? Would you then oppose such a measure, viscount?"
Albert knew by experience what dangerous ground his father was
approaching, and remained silent.
"Let us put it, then, that I dream of the impossible!" resumed the
count. "Then let the nobles do their duty. Let all the younger sons and
the daughters of our great families forego their rights, by giving up
the entire patrimony to the first-born for five generations, contenting
themselves each with a couple of thousand francs a year. By that means
great fortunes can be reconstructed, and families, instead of being
divided by a variety of interests, become united by one common desire."
"Unfortunately," objected the viscount, "the time is not favorable to
such devotedness."
"I know it, sir," replied the count quickly; "and in my own house I have
the proof of it. I, your father, have conjured you to give up all
idea of marrying the granddaughter of that old fool, the Marchioness
d'Arlange. And all to no purpose; for I have at last been obliged to
yield to your wishes."
"Father--" Albert commenced.
"It is well," interrupted the count.
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