The unfortunate woman would neither recognise nor understand you." "Go then alone," sighed the count, "go, my son!" The words "my son," pronounced with a marked emphasis, sounded like a note of victory in Noel's ears.
He bowed to take his leave.

The count motioned him to wait.
"In any case," he said, "a place at table will be set for you here.

I dine at half-past six precisely.

I shall be glad to see you." He rang.

His valet appeared.
"Denis," said he, "none of the orders I may give will affect this gentleman.