Tell me, how did you obtain your knowledge of this correspondence ?" Albert had had time to recover himself, and prepare for the present struggle, as he had impatiently waited four days for this interview.
The difficulty he experienced in uttering the first words had now given place to a dignified and proud demeanor.

He expressed himself clearly and forcibly, without losing himself in those details which in serious matters needlessly defer the real point at issue.
"Sir," he replied, "on Sunday morning, a young man called here, stating that he had business with me of the utmost importance.

I received him.

He then revealed to me that I, alas! am only your natural son, substituted through your affection, for the legitimate child borne you by Madame de Commarin." "And did you not have this man kicked out of doors ?" exclaimed the count.
"No, sir.

I was about to answer him very sharply, of course; but, presenting me with a packet of letters, he begged me to read them before replying." "Ah!" cried M.de Commarin, "you should have thrown them into the fire, for there was a fire, I suppose?
You held them in your hands; and they still exist! Why was I not there ?" "Sir!" said Albert, reproachfully.