“Ah!” interrupted the count in a bantering tone, “you are a liberal.  It is a fashionable disease.  Albert also was a great liberal.”

“My ideas, sir,” said Noel quickly, “were those of every intelligent man who wishes to succeed.  Besides, have not all parties one and the same aim—­power?  They merely take different means of reaching it.  I will not enlarge upon this subject.  Be assured, sir, that I shall know how to bear my name, and think and act as a man of my rank should.”

“I trust so,” said M. de Commarin; “and I hope that you will never make me regret Albert.”

“At least, sir, it will not be my fault.  But, since you have mentioned the name of that unfortunate young man, let us occupy ourselves about him.”

The count cast a look of distrust upon Noel.

“What can now be done for Albert?” he asked.

“What, sir!” cried Noel with ardour, “would you abandon him, when he has not a friend left in the world?  He is still your son, sir, he is my brother; for thirty years he has borne the name of Commarin.  All the members of a family are jointly liable.  Innocent, or guilty, he has a right to count upon us; and we owe him our assistance.”

“What do you then hope for, sir?” asked the count.

“To save him, if he is innocent; and I love to believe that he is.  I am an advocate, sir, and I wish to defend him.  I have been told that I have some talent; in such a cause I must have.  Yes, however strong the charges against him may be, I will overthrow them.  I will dispel all doubts.  The truth shall burst forth at the sound of my voice.  I will find new accents to imbue the judges with my own conviction.  I will save him, and this shall be my last cause.”

“And if he should confess,” said the count, “if he has already confessed?”

“Then, sir,” replied Noel with a dark look, “I will render him the last service, which in such a misfortune I should ask of a brother, I will procure him the means of avoiding judgment.”

“That is well spoken, sir,” said the count, “very well, my son!”

And he held out his hand to Noel, who pressed it, bowing a respectful acknowledgment.  The advocate took a long breath.  At last he had found the way to this haughty noble’s heart; he had conquered, he had pleased him.

“Let us return to yourself, sir,” continued the count.  “I yield to the reasons which you have suggested.  All shall be done as you desire.  But do not consider this a precedent.  I never change my plans, even though they are proved to be bad, and contrary to my interests.  But at least nothing prevents your remaining here from to-day, and taking your meals with me.  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?”