M. Daburon had augured better results from this meeting, which he had
been awaiting ever since the count's arrival. He had expected that this
abrupt presentation would bring about an intensely pathetic scene, which
would not give his two witnesses time for reflection. The count
would open his arms: Noel would throw himself into them; and this
reconciliation would only await the sanction of the tribunals, to be
complete.
The coldness of the one, the embarrassment of the other, disconcerted
his plans. He therefore thought it necessary to intervene.
"Count," said he reproachfully, "remember that it was only a few minutes
ago that you admitted that M. Gerdy was your legitimate son."
M. de Commarin made no reply; to judge from his lack of emotion, he
could not have heard.
So Noel, summoning all his courage, ventured to speak first,--"Sir," he
stammered, "I entertain no--"
"You may call me father," interrupted the haughty old man, in a tone
which was by no means affectionate. Then addressing the magistrate he
said: "Can I be of any further use to you, sir?"
"Only to hear your evidence read over," replied M. Daburon, "and to sign
it if you find everything correct.
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