Since I discovered that I was the only heir of the Rheteau de Commarin, I have found out the antecedents of my new family.
"Standing before the dwelling of my ancestors," continued Noel, "you cannot comprehend the excess of my emotion.

Here, said I, is the house in which I was born.

This is the house in which I should have been reared; and, above all, this is the spot where I should reign to-day, whereon I stand an outcast and a stranger, devoured by the sad and bitter memories, of which banished men have died.

I compared my brother's brilliant destinies with my sad and labourious career; and my indignation well nigh overmastered reason.

The mad impulse stirred me to force the doors, to rush into the grand salon, and drive out the intruder,--the son of Madame Gerdy,--who had taken the place of the son of the Countess de Commarin! Out, usurper, out of this.