Part 27 (1/2)

But days had elapsed since Monsieur Dalize had, according to promise, written to the registrar of births, to ask him to forward a copy of the register of birth of Paul Solange, and no answer had yet arrived. This silence had astonished Monsieur Dalize and given a hope to Monsieur Roger.

”There must be some reason, don't you see,” he said, walking beside his friend. ”Some important reason why the registrar has not yet answered your pressing letter.”

”A reason, an important reason,” replied Monsieur Dalize; ”the explanation may be that the registrar is away.”

”No; there is some other reason,” answered Monsieur Roger with conviction.

Half-way to the station they met the letter-carrier, who said,--

”Monsieur Dalize, there are two letters for you.”

The first letter which Monsieur Dalize opened bore the address of the registrar of births. He rapidly read the few lines, then turned towards Roger.

”You are right,” said he; ”there is a reason. Read.”

”I pray _you_ read it; I am too much excited,” replied Roger.

Monsieur Dalize read as follows:

”=Sir=:

”The researches which I have made in my docket to find the register of birth of Paul Solange must be my excuse for the delay.

We have not the register of birth which you ask for, but in its place is a paper so important that I have not the right to part with it; still, I shall be ready to place this paper under your eyes when you come to Paris.

”Yours respectfully,” etc.

”I go,” said Monsieur Dalize, consulting his watch; ”I have just time to catch the train, and I shall return in time for dinner. Go back to the chateau and tell them that an important letter calls me to Paris.”

Monsieur Roger took the hand of his friend with a joy which he could not conceal, and said,--

”Thank you.”

”I go to please you,” answered Monsieur Dalize, not wis.h.i.+ng that his friend should have hopes excited, for failure might leave him more unhappy than ever. ”I am going to see this important paper, but I see no reason why it should show that Paul was not the son of Monsieur Solange.

So keep calm; you will need all your calmness on my return.”

Before leaving, Monsieur Dalize opened the envelope of the second letter; as the first lines caught his eyes, an expression of sorrow and surprise came over his face.

”That is very strange and very sad,” said he.

”What is it?” asked Roger.

”It is strange that this letter speaks of Monsieur Solange, the father of Paul, and it is sad that it also brings me bad news.”

”Speak,” said Roger, quickly.

”This letter is from my successor in the banking house, and it says that Monsieur Solange, of Martinique, has suspended payment.”

”Has Monsieur Solange failed?” asked Roger.

”The letter adds that they are awaiting fuller information from the mail that should arrive to-day. You see that my presence in Paris is doubly necessary. Come down to the station to meet me in the coupe at five o'clock, and come alone.”