The patience with which he had armed himself at last escaped him.
"Well, sir," he answered, "if I resemble one of the people, there are perhaps good reasons for it." The glance with which the viscount accompanied his speech was so expressive that the count experienced a sudden shock.

All his animation forsook him, and in a hesitating voice, he asked: "What is that you say, viscount ?" Albert had no sooner uttered the sentence than he regretted his precipitation, but he had gone too far to stop.
"Sir," he replied with some embarrassment, "I have to acquaint you with some important matters.

My honour, yours, the honour of our house, are involved.

I intended postponing this conversation till to-morrow, not desiring to trouble you on the evening of your return.

However, as you wish me to explain, I will do so." The count listened with ill-concealed anxiety.