My honour, yours, the honour of our house, are
involved. I intended postponing this conversation till to-morrow, not
desiring to trouble you on the evening of your return. However, as you
wish me to explain, I will do so."
The count listened with ill-concealed anxiety. He seemed to have divined
what his son was about to say, and was terrified at himself for having
divined it.
"Believe me, sir," continued Albert slowly, "whatever may have been
your acts, my voice will never be raised to reproach you. Your constant
kindness to me--"
M. de Commarin held up his hand. "A truce to preambles; let me have the
facts without phrases," said he sternly.
Albert was some time without answering, he hesitated how to commence.
"Sir," said he at length, "during your absence, I have read all your
correspondence with Madame Gerdy. All!" added he, emphasising the word,
already so significant.
The count, as though stung by a serpent, started up with such violence
that he overturned his chair.
"Not another word!" cried he in a terrible voice. "I forbid you to
speak!" But he no doubt soon felt ashamed of his violence, for he
quietly raised his chair, and resumed in a tone which he strove to
render light and rallying: "Who will hereafter refuse to believe in
presentiments? A couple of hours ago, on seeing your pale face at
the railway station, I felt that you had learned more or less of this
affair.
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