“Let us understand each other, and speak plainly.  Would it be very repugnant to your feelings to have seven hundred thousand francs a year, and to be called, after me, Marquis de Campvallon d’Armignes?  Come, speak up, and give me an answer.”

The young Count reddened slightly.

“My name is Camors,” he said, gently.

“What!  You would not wish me to adopt you?  You refuse to become the heir of my name and of my fortune?”

“Yes, General.”

“Do you not wish time to reflect upon it?”

“No, General.  I am sincerely grateful for your goodness; your generous intentions toward me touch me deeply, but in a question of honor I never reflect or hesitate.”

The General puffed fiercely, like a locomotive blowing off steam.  Then he rose and took two or three turns up and down the gallery, shuffling his feet, his chest heaving.  Then he returned and reseated himself.

“What are your plans for the future?” he asked, abruptly.

“I shall try, in the first place, General, to repair my fortune, which is much shattered.  I am not so great a stranger to business as people suppose, and my father’s connections and my own will give me a footing in some great financial or industrial enterprise.  Once there, I shall succeed by force of will and steady work.  Besides, I shall fit myself for public life, and aspire, when circumstances permit me, to become a deputy.”

“Well, well, a man must do something.  Idleness is the parent of all vices.  See; like yourself, I am fond of the horse—­a noble animal.  I approve of racing; it improves the breed of horses, and aids in mounting our cavalry efficiently.  But sport should be an amusement, not a profession.  Hem! so you aspire to become a deputy?”

“Assuredly.”

“Then I can help you in that, at least.  When you are ready I will send in my resignation, and recommend to my brave and faithful constituents that you take my place.  Will that suit you?”

“Admirably, General; and I am truly grateful.  But why should you resign?”

“Why?  Well, to be useful to you in the first place; in the second, I am sick of it.  I shall not be sorry to give personally a little lesson to the government, which I trust will profit by it.  You know me—­I am no Jacobin; at first I thought that would succeed.  But when I see what is going on!”

“What is going on, General?”

“When I see a Tonnelier a great dignitary!  It makes me long for the pen of Tacitus, on my word.  When I was retired in ’forty-eight, under a mean and cruel injustice they did me, I had not reached the age of exemption.  I was still capable of good and loyal service; but probably I could have waited until an amendment.  I found it at least in the confidence of my brave and faithful constituents.  But, my young friend, one tires of everything.  The Assemblies at the Luxembourg—­I mean the Palace of the Bourbons—­fatigue me.  In short, whatever regret I may feel at parting from my honorable colleagues, and from my faithful constituents, I shall abdicate my functions whenever you are ready and willing to accept them.  Have you not some property in this district?”