is statement." Beauchamp
looked at Albert with a benevolent expression.

"Come," said he, "this matter will want a good deal of talking over; a
retractation is always a serious thing, you know. Sit down, and I will
read it again." Albert resumed his seat, and Beauchamp read, with more
attention than at first, the lines denounced by his friend. "Well," said
Albert in a determined tone, "you see that your paper his insulted a
member of my family, and I insist on a retractation being made."

"You insist?"

"Yes, I insist."

"Permit me to remind you that you are not in the Chamber, my dear
Viscount."

"Nor do I wish to be there," replied the young man, rising. "I repeat
that I am determined to have the announcement of yesterday contradicted.
You have known me long enough," continued Albert, biting his lips
convulsively, for he saw that Beauchamp's anger was beginning to
rise,--"you have been my friend, and therefore sufficiently intimate
with me to be aware that I am likely to maintain my resolution on this
point."

"If I have been your friend, Morcerf, your present manner of speaking
would almost lead me to forget that I ever bore that title. But wait a
moment, do not let us get angry, or at least not yet. You are irritated
and vexed--tell me how this Fernand is related to you?"

"He is merely my father," said Albert--"M. Fernand Mondego, Count of
Morcerf, an old soldier who has fought in twenty battles and whose
honorable scars they would denounce as badges of disgrace."

"Is it your father?" said Beauchamp; "that is quite another thing. Then
can well understand your indignation, my dear Albert. I will look at it
again;" and he read the paragraph for the third time, laying a stress
on each word as he proceeded. "But the paper nowhere identifies this
Fernand with your father."

"No; but the connection will be seen by others, and therefore I will
have the article contradicted." At the words "I will," Beauchamp
steadily raised his eyes to Albert's countenance, and then as gradually
lowering them, he remained thoughtful for a few moments. "You will
retract this assertion, will you not, Beauchamp?" said Albert with
increased though stifled anger.

"Yes," replied Beauchamp.

"Immediately?" said Albert.

"When I am convinced that the statement is false."

"What?"

"The thing is worth looking into, and I will take pains to investigate
the matter thoroughly."

"But what is there to investigate, sir?" said Albe