It
is a fashionable disease. Albert also was a great liberal."
"My ideas, sir," said Noel quickly, "were those of every intelligent man
who wishes to succeed. Besides, have not all parties one and the same
aim--power? They merely take different means of reaching it. I will not
enlarge upon this subject. Be assured, sir, that I shall know how to
bear my name, and think and act as a man of my rank should."
"I trust so," said M. de Commarin; "and I hope that you will never make
me regret Albert."
"At least, sir, it will not be my fault. But, since you have mentioned
the name of that unfortunate young man, let us occupy ourselves about
him."
The count cast a look of distrust upon Noel.
"What can now be done for Albert?" he asked.
"What, sir!" cried Noel with ardour, "would you abandon him, when he
has not a friend left in the world? He is still your son, sir, he is
my brother; for thirty years he has borne the name of Commarin. All the
members of a family are jointly liable. Innocent, or guilty, he has a
right to count upon us; and we owe him our assistance."
"What do you then hope for, sir?" asked the count.
"To save him, if he is innocent; and I love to believe that he is.
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