Part 23 (1/2)
The professional consulted a register ”L” on a shelf behind.
”The name is a common one, sir, yet the list is not long. Indeed so common is the name, and so short the list of its stocks of distinction that there have been but two. One is the well-known family of Amiens, the other is now obscure.”
”What branch is the latter?”
”The LeCours de Lincy, formerly a conspicuous race in the annals of Poitou and very ancient. Their device: a golden lion rampant on an azure s.h.i.+eld.”
”A golden lion rampant on an azure s.h.i.+eld,” repeated Germain musing.
”By chance the last of the de Lincys is known to me, and sleeps not far from where we are sitting--a n.o.ble so old and poor that he never enjoys firewood, and apparently lives solely on the sight of his precious proofs of _n.o.blesse_; a food which, excuse me, Monsieur, is, in my opinion, very innutritious.”
A ray of hope crossed Germain's mind.
”Would he sell these proofs?”
The genealogist at once understood Germain's position, but he would take no mean advantage; he was honourable within his calling. He merely answered--
”No, sir.”
”Could you not obtain copies?”
”For fifteen louis.”
”Here they are,” replied Lecour, opening his purse and handing over the gold.
The genealogist's ruddy face twinkled.
”Now,” said Germain, ”this gentleman of whom you spoke is my relative. I desire to see him.”
”To some men,” replied the other, ”I would say Monsieur de Lincy is part of my professional plant, and I cannot give you the information. To you, sir, it shall be different, for I take you for a man of honour, and all I desire is your word that nothing will be done by you without payment of such fees as I may ask.”
”Agreed,” returned Germain, repressing his expectancy.
”Then you can be conducted to him in the morning, and it must be by myself, for otherwise he would not trust you. Will you accept a lodging with me, a plain room, but no worse than at an inn.”
Lecour only too gladly accepted the refuge; but before retiring he said--
”My name is Lecour.”
”I knew it,” returned the genealogist. ”Have no fear of my confidence. I am not like the vipers who throng my profession. To proceed a step further, I venture boldly the theory, sir, that you are the Monsieur Lecour de Repentigny about whose t.i.tle there has just been some little question.”
Germain's heart jumped, and he sat for a moment speechless.
”It is true,” he said at last.
”You wish me to advise you?”
Lecour nodded.
”With my advice, then, the thing will be simple. First quit the name of Repentigny, which will always create jealousies. I leave to yourself the excuses you will make for having borne it--that you bought the seigniory of that name or that you possess another of the same appellation, or that it was very anciently a possession of your family. The armorials show there were LeCours de Tilly; there were also LeGardeurs de Tilly, related to the LeGardeurs de Repentigny. You might thus claim possible relations.h.i.+p. But, as I have said, I leave to yourself the choice of excuses on that point. Secondly, we must carry out your design of allying yourself with old de Lincy, who is in such horrible need of a friend, that it will be a benefit to you both; and thirdly, you must see to the correction of all marriage contracts, baptismal and death certificates, and other registers by the insertion of the n.o.ble appellation which will then belong to your family. This is your case in brief.”