Noel Gerdy is worthy in all respects of the high position that you
are about to restore to him. He is a man of great talent, better
and worthier than any one I know. You will have a son worthy of his
ancestors. And finally, no one of your family has disgraced it, sir, for
Viscount Albert is not a Commarin."
"No," rejoined the count quickly, "a Commarin would be dead at this
hour; and blood washes all away."
The old nobleman's remark set the investigating magistrate thinking
profoundly.
"Are you then sure," said he, "of the viscount's guilt?"
M. de Commarin gave the magistrate a look of intense surprise.
"I only arrived in Paris yesterday evening," he replied; "and I am
entirely ignorant of all that has occurred. I only know that justice
would not proceed without good cause against a man of Albert's rank. If
you have arrested him, it is quite evident that you have something more
than suspicion against him,--that you possess positive proofs."
M. Daburon bit his lips, and, for a moment, could not conceal a feeling
of displeasure. He had neglected his usual prudence, had moved too
quickly. He had believed the count's mind entirely upset; and now he had
aroused his distrust.
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