rt opened the paper, it was an attestation of four notable
inhabitants of Yanina, proving that Colonel Fernand Mondego, in the
service of Ali Tepelini, had surrendered the castle for two million
crowns. The signatures were perfectly legal. Albert tottered and fell
overpowered in a chair. It could no longer be doubted; the family
name was fully given. After a moment's mournful silence, his heart
overflowed, and he gave way to a flood of tears. Beauchamp, who had
watched with sincere pity the young man's paroxysm of grief, approached
him. "Now, Albert," said he, "you understand me--do you not? I wished to
see all, and to judge of everything for myself, hoping the explanation
would be in your father's favor, and that I might do him justice. But,
on the contrary, the particulars which are given prove that Fernand
Mondego, raised by Ali Pasha to the rank of governor-general, is no
other than Count Fernand of Morcerf; then, recollecting the honor you
had done me, in admitting me to your friendship, I hastened to you."

Albert, still extended on the chair, covered his face with both hands,
as if to prevent the light from reaching him. "I hastened to you,"
continued Beauchamp, "to tell you, Albert, that in this changing age,
the faults of a father cannot revert upon his children. Few have passed
through this revolutionary period, in the midst of which we were
born, without some stain of infamy or blood to soil the uniform of the
soldier, or the gown of the magistrate. Now I have these proofs, Albert,
and I am in your confidence, no human power can force me to a duel which
your own conscience would reproach you with as criminal, but I come to
offer you what you can no longer demand of me. Do you wish these proofs,
these attestations, which I alone possess, to be destroyed? Do you wish
this frightful secret to remain with us? Confided to me, it shall never
escape my lips; say, Albert, my friend, do you wish it?"

Albert threw himself on Beauchamp's neck. "Ah, noble fellow!" cried he.

"Take these," said Beauchamp, presenting the papers to Albert.

Albert seized them with a convulsive hand, tore them in pieces, and
trembling lest the least vestige should escape and one day appear to
confront him, he approached the wax-light, always kept burning for
cigars, and burned every fragment. "Dear, excellent friend," murmured
Albert, still burning the papers.

"Let all be forgotten as a sorrowful dream," said Beauchamp; "let it
vanish