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.