.

FATHER AND SON.
"Gaston," quoth Andrea next morning, "you will remain at Canaples until to-morrow?
You must, for to-morrow I am to be wed, and I would fain have your good wishes ere you go." "Nice hands, mine, to seek a benediction at," I grumbled.
"But you will remain?
Come, Gaston, we have been good friends, you and I, and who knows when next we shall meet?
Believe me, I shall value your 'God speed' above all others." "Likely enough, since it will be the only one you'll hear." But for all my sneers he was not to be put off.

He talked and coaxed so winningly that in the end--albeit I am a man not easily turned from the course he has set himself--the affectionate pleading in his fresh young voice and the affectionate look in his dark eyes won me to his way.
Forthwith I went in quest of the Chevalier, whom, at the indication of a lackey, I discovered in the room it pleased him to call his study--that same room into which we had been ushered on the day of our arrival at Canaples.

I told him that on the morrow I must set out for Paris, and albeit he at first expressed a polite regret, yet when I had shown him how my honour was involved in my speedy return thither, he did not urge me to put off my departure.
"It grieves me, sir, that you must go, and I deeply regret the motive that is taking you.

Yet I hope that his Eminence, in recognition of the services you have rendered his nephew, will see fit to forget what cause for resentment he may have against you, and render you your liberty.