No; that it sha'n't. I swear it. I promise you, whatever happens,
understand, that things shall remain as they are; because it is my will.
You are Viscount de Commarin, and Viscount de Commarin you shall remain,
in spite of yourself, if necessary. You shall retain the title to your
death, or at least to mine; for never, while I live, shall your absurd
idea be carried out."
"But, sir," began Albert, timidly.
"You are very daring to interrupt me while I am speaking, sir,"
exclaimed the count. "Do I not know all your objections beforehand? You
are going to tell me that it is a revolting injustice, a wicked robbery.
I confess it, and grieve over it more than you possibly can. Do you
think that I now for the first time repent of my youthful folly? For
twenty years, sir, I have lamented my true son; for twenty years I have
cursed the wickedness of which he is the victim. And yet I learnt how to
keep silence, and to hide the sorrow and remorse which have covered my
pillow with thorns. In a single instant, your senseless yielding would
render my long sufferings of no avail. No, I will never permit it!"
The count read a reply on his son's lips: he stopped him with a
withering glance.
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