"
The truth, as all the world knows, and delights in proclaiming, has an
accent which no one can mistake. M. Daburon had not the slightest doubt
of his witness's good faith. Noel continued with the ingenuous candour
of an honest heart which suspicion has never touched with its
bat's wing: "The idea of treating at once with my father pleased me
exceedingly. I thought it so much better to wash all one's dirty linen
at home, I had never desired anything but an amicable arrangement. With
my hands full of proofs, I should still recoil from a public trial."
"Would you not have brought an action?"
"Never, sir, not at any price. Could I," he added proudly, "to regain my
rightful name, begin by dishonouring it?"
This time M. Daburon could not conceal his sincere admiration.
"A most praiseworthy feeling, sir," he said.
"I think," replied Noel, "that it is but natural. If things came to the
worst, I had determined to leave my title with Albert. No doubt the name
of Commarin is an illustrious one; but I hope that, in ten years
time, mine will be more known. I would, however, have demanded a
large pecuniary compensation. I possess nothing: and I have often been
hampered in my career by the want of money.
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