The Morning herald., 1877-09-08
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CHAPTER XIV.

by the young barrister in our last chap
ter.
"There recognize your heart, my boy
your generous, noble heart"
"But didn't express those words audi
b]v. YOU know" went on Noel, because 1
thougbt that the letters once burned, ten
to one he'd have had me turned out as an
impostor.'
"Of couwe-of course"
"At the end of about half an hour the
yiscount handed me back the papers, and
standing up so as to face me, leaned
against the chi,nney-piece.
".You are right, SIR he said; sand if
those letters were written by my father,
everything tends to prove that | am not
the son of the Countess de Valcourt.
lave you any other proofs ?
"Germain, the valet, can certify
"'Germain died some years ago.
"Then I spoke to him of the nurse
the Widow Lerouge--and explained to
him how easy it would be to find her, as
she lived at the village of La Jonchere."
"What did he say to that2" asked Daddy
Tabaret, in an eager tone.
"He was silent at first, seeming to re-
fleet; then suddenly raised his hand to
his forehead.
"Ah, remember uowv he cried Il
visited her several times with my father,
and on one occasion l recollect he gave
her cheque for large amount of
money!
81 observed that here was another proof
in the claimants favor. He made no re-
ply. but commenced walking up and
down the room. At last he stopped and
faced me.
"Do you happen to know the person
who claims to be the legitimate son Of
Count Lionel de Valcourtl 2
81 answered, Il am the man.
"He lowered his head, and turned
away.
81 thought so,' he murmured then,
advancing, he offered me his hand. Il
bear you no malice he said, huskily, but
you have dealt me fearful blow, and I
hardly know what to say or what to think.
Ny father will return in eight or ten days.
Twill ask you to accord me this delay,
and Immediately he arrives will explain
to him your case. l must beg you now to
leave me. feel dazed-ill, in fact;' and
as he spoke he sunk back, as if faint, on
the sofa, motioning for me to ring the bell
for his servant.
81 did so, and left him, feeling puzzled
myself as to what my next move ought to
be; but all my plans are scattered to the
winds since the murder of my poor old
nurse. Can you advise me 7"
"Not now-not now," said the old man,
who was meditating retreat, and was
fearful he might be led into saying some
thing imprudent. "I'll sleep upon it, and
you again in the morning." Then he
added, atfectionately, "Poor boy-poor
boy! what an anxious time you must have
had of it,"
"Fearful! and Joined to it all, worry
about money matters"
Money matters! l thought you were
such an economical fellow"
"Before this dreadful revelation, which
threatens to change my whole life, had
taken upon myself some engagements for
a friend, dear friend. Those engage
iaents l must meet, and, under present
circumstances, l cannot ask for assist
ahce from the family purse"
You're right-quite right and I'm
ochghed you've mentioned it, for it just
rl"n'S me that it's in your power to do
me favor"
"lndeed!-and what's thatr
"Tan you imagine, now, that I've got in
my oeSk, poked away among my papers,
10 less sun than thousand pounds, in
bank notes2"
~ Rather imprudent," remarked the bar
"0f course it is; that's Just what I
,I'aht and what I'm about to propose is,
thaV you can take care of them far better
Than can"
Norl pressed the good old fellows hand,
anu shook his head with an amused ex-
preston Of face.
~, THANK you all the same," he objected,
"'l1 I'm afraid must refuse"
,loull do nothing of the kind" said
1n"D'y Tabaret, hotly; "I'm accustomed to
tomy have my way, and Ill bring the money
n.I Put remembering he had an appoint
1 'ue,V with the magistrate, M. Daburon,
S"o S, perhaps might be detained all day,
Wy ADDED, Immediately, "No; not to-mor-
aIN: l,, won't run any further risks you
slall have it this evening. This evening,
''. l say!-you shall have it at once!"
SANG nna before Noel could stop him, he had
'etHeo MS hat and left the room.
,o1i ~ zen minutes he returned, with the
'oli OF bank notes in his hand.
so:, II you don't find them enough" he
T' tS'a' as ne thrust them into the pocket of
' yo'ng barrster's coat, there's plenty
a1ble nua' at the same shop; orders punctually
soua1n ,reaa1ed to, and the strictest secrecy OBJ
oon Alld' without waiting for reply, he was
No., what queer old fellow he is," thought
.o;'st m3et he hasn't taken an I o U, or re-
.s'Pl Oh any kind" and he ran to the door
thon ' ne spoke, in order to call him back i;
NhNIl SIOlnAd short a,,d liutonal Il