Volume II Part 10 (1/2)
”Pierre Labarre, it surprises me that in the nine years which have passed since the death of otten what a servant's duties are! Since seven years I bear the title ofme Monsieur le Vicomte?”
Pierre Labarre stroked the white hair fro bony hand and slowly said:
”I know only one Marquis of Fougereuse”
”And who should bear this title if not I?” cried the rily
”The son of the outte in the year 1805,”
replied Pierre
”Murdered?” exclaiainst the legitimate masters of the country”
”Your brother, Monsieur le Vicomte, was the victim of a well-laid plan; those persons ere interested in his death ht”
The er, and it did not require very much more until he would have had the old ood would it do hiled Pierre before he knew the secret?
”Let us not discuss that ht me here--”
As Pierre remained silent, the marquis continued:
”I know perfectly well that that affair disturbed you As the old servitor of my father you naturally were attached to the dead man Yet, who could avert the catastrophe? The father, the mother and the two children were all slain at the same hour by the Cossacks, and--”
”You are mistaken, vicogle with paid assassins, the mother was burned to death, but the children escaped”
”You are fooling, oldpale; ”Jules's two children are dead”
The oldsteadily at the marquis, he firmly said:
”Monsieur le Vicoer restrain himself
”You knohere they are?” he excitedly exclaimed
”No, vicomte, but it cheers me to hear from your words that you yourself do not believe the children are dead”
The ed his shoulders and thought in his heart that the marquis was not the proper person to intrust with diplomatic missions for the Society of Jesus
”Monsieur le Marquis,” he hurriedly said, ”what is the use of these long discussions? Put the question which concerns you most to the obstinate old man, and if he does not answer, I will ht,” nodded the ly said:
”Listen, Pierre Labarre; I will tell you the object of ereuse”
A sarcastic laugh played about the oldto hiereuse--I am really curious to knohat I shall hear”
Thea timid look at Simon, he said: