Often, when considering the possibility of such a catastrophe, he had asked himself how he should avert it?
He had formed and rejected many plans: he had deluded himself, like all men of imagination, with innumerable chimerical projects, and now he found himself quite unprepared.
Albert stood respectfully, while his father sat in his great armorial chair, just beneath the large frame in which the genealogical tree of the illustrious family of Rheteau de Commarin spread its luxuriant branches.

The old gentleman completely concealed the cruel apprehensions which oppressed him.

He seemed neither irritated nor dejected; but his eyes expressed a haughtiness more than usually disdainful, and a self-reliance full of contempt.
"Now viscount," he began in a firm voice, "explain yourself.

I need say nothing to you of the position of a father, obliged to blush before his son; you understand it, and will feel for me.

Let us spare each other, and try to be calm.