The old fellow felt he was on the point of learning a history in every way similar to that which he had imagined; and his impatience to know whether he had guessed aright, almost caused him to forget to express any sympathy for his friend's misfortunes.
"My dear boy," said he, "do not let us digress.

You ask me for advice; and I am perhaps the best adviser you could have chosen.

Come, then, to the point.

How have you learned this?
Have you any proofs?
where are they ?" The decided tone in which the old fellow spoke, should no doubt, have awakened Noel's attention; but he did not notice it.

He had not leisure to reflect.