The young girl felt a tiny tear fall
like a terrible weight on her hand. He lifted his head quickly, looked
fixedly at Esperance with a look of such goodness and faith, that she
felt suddenly guilty and bent her head. The Count shook hands
cordially with the philosopher.
"Do not forget," the elder man said to him, "that I want to have a
little talk with you; it is more than a wish, it is a duty."
"I also have a serious duty to attend to," replied the young Count.
"Excuse me if I have to keep you waiting."
CHAPTER XXVIII
Albert went immediately to his mother, who was taking tea with the
Princess. He embraced her with such tenderness that she was astonished
at his ardour. The Princess held out her hand.
"Do not wait too long to realize your happiness, Albert. You know how
all your friends will rejoice with you."
He kissed her hand again, and went to join his two seconds at the gate
of the kitchen garden.
The crowd had all dispersed to catch the last train.
The meeting at the "Three Roads" was for seven. They saw the Duke de
Castel-Montjoie from a distance. He had had some difficulty in making
his escape, having had to help his mother, the Duchess, with the last
farewells. He bowed to the Count and led the way by a little door to
the inn stable. He was carrying two sets of swords, done up in two
cases of green cloth.
The Duke and his seconds were already there. Only the Doctor had not
arrived.
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