But at least
nothing prevents your remaining here from to-day, and taking your meals
with me. We will, first of all, see where you can be lodged, until you
formally take possession of the apartments which are to be prepared for
you."
Noel had the hardihood to again interrupt the old nobleman.
"Sir," said he, "when you bade me follow you here, I obeyed you, as was
my duty. Now another and a sacred duty calls me away. Madame Gerdy is
at this moment dying. Ought I to leave the deathbed of her who filled my
mother's place?"
"Valerie!" murmured the count. He leaned upon the arm of his chair, his
face buried in his hands; in one moment the whole past rose up before
him.
"She has done me great harm," he murmured, as if answering his thoughts.
"She has ruined my whole life; but ought I to be implacable? She is
dying from the accusation which is hanging over Albert our son. It was
I who was the cause of it all. Doubtless, in this last hour, a word from
me would be a great consolation to her. I will accompany you, sir."
Noel started at this unexpected proposal.
"O sir!" said he hastily, "spare yourself, pray, a heart-rending sight.
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