After seeing the Count de Commarin safely in his carriage at the entrance of the Palais de Justice, Noel Gerdy seemed inclined to leave him.

Resting one hand against the half-opened carriage door, he bowed respectfully, and said: "When, sir, shall I have the honour of paying my respects to you ?" "Come with me now," said the old nobleman.
The advocate, still leaning forward, muttered some excuses.

He had, he said, important business: he must positively return home at once.
"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.