"Come," repeated the count, in a tone which admitted no reply.
Noel obeyed.
"You have found your father," said M. de Commarin in a low tone; "but I
must warn you, that at the same time you lose your independence."
The carriage started; and only then did the count notice that Noel
had very modestly seated himself opposite him. This humility seemed to
displease him greatly.
"Sit here by my side, sir," he exclaimed; "are you not my son?"
The advocate, without replying, took his seat by the side of the
terrible old man, but occupied as little room as possible.
He had been very much upset by his interview with M. Daburon; for he
retained none of his usual assurance, none of that exterior coolness by
which he was accustomed to conceal his feelings. Fortunately, the ride
gave him time to breathe, and to recover himself a little.
On the way from the Palais de Justice to the De Commarin mansion, not a
word passed between the father and son. When the carriage stopped before
the steps leading to the principal entrance, and the count got out with
Noel's assistance, there was great commotion among the servants.
There were, it is true, few of them present, nearly all having been
summoned to the Palais; but the count and the advocate had scarcely
disappeared, when, as if by enchantment, they were all assembled in
the hall.
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