"
Albert had foreseen, had expected this reply; but it crushed him
nevertheless.
There are misfortunes so great, that one must constantly think of them
to believe in their existence. This flinching, however, lasted but an
instant.
"Pardon me, sir," he replied. "I was almost convinced; but I had not
received a formal assurance of it. All the letters that I read spoke
distinctly of your purpose, detailed your plan minutely; but not one
pointed to, or in any way confirmed, the execution of your project."
The count gazed at his son with a look of intense surprise. He
recollected distinctly all the letters; and he could remember, that,
in writing to Valerie, he had over and over again rejoiced at their
success, thanking her for having acted in accordance with his wishes.
"You did not go to the end of them, then, viscount," he said, "you did
not read them all?"
"Every line, sir, and with an attention that you may well understand.
The last letter shown me simply announced to Madame Gerdy the arrival
of Claudine Lerouge, the nurse who was charged with accomplishing the
substitution. I know nothing beyond that."
"These proofs amount to nothing," muttered the count.
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