Instead of going direct to his study, M.Morrel had returned to his bed-chamber, which he was only this moment quitting.

Morrel uttered a cry of surprise at the sight of his son, of whose arrival he was ignorant.

He remained motionless on the spot, pressing with his left hand something he had concealed under his coat.
Maximilian sprang down the staircase, and threw his arms round his father's neck; but suddenly he recoiled, and placed his right hand on Morrel's breast.

"Father," he exclaimed, turning pale as death, "what are you going to do with that brace of pistols under your coat ?" "Oh, this is what I feared!" said Morrel.
"Father, father, in heaven's name," exclaimed the young man, "what are these weapons for ?" "Maximilian," replied Morrel, looking fixedly at his son, "you are a man, and a man of honor.

Come, and I will explain to you." And with a firm step Morrel went up to his study, while Maximilian followed him, trembling as he went.