'
'Why is it then?'
I could have explained that it was because he had betrayed his comrades,
because his daughter hated him, because he had ill-used his wife,
because my father regarded him as the source of all his troubles--but
the salon of the Empress was no place for a family quarrel, so I merely
shrugged my shoulders, and was silent.
'Well, I am very sorry,' said he, 'for I had the best of intentions
towards you. I could have advanced you, for there are few men in
France who exercise more influence. But I have one request to make to
you.'
'What is that, sir?'
'I have a number of personal articles, belonging to your father--his
sword, his seals, a deskful of letters, some silver plate--such things
in short as you would wish to keep in memory of him. I should be glad
if you will come to Grosbois--if it is only for one night--and look over
these things, choosing what you wish to take away. My conscience will
then be clear about them.'
I promised readily that I would do so.
'And when would you come?' he asked eagerly. Something in the tone of
his voice aroused my suspicions, and glancing at him I saw exultation in
his eyes.
Pages:
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237