not like to mention on my return from
Yanina."

"Say on."

"I went, of course, to the chief banker of the town to make inquiries.
At the first word, before I had even mentioned your father's name"--

"'Ah,' said he. 'I guess what brings you here.'

"'How, and why?'

"'Because a fortnight since I was questioned on the same subject.'

"'By whom?'--'By a Paris banker, my correspondent.'

"'Whose name is'--

"'Danglars.'"

"He!" cried Albert; "yes, it is indeed he who has so long pursued my
father with jealous hatred. He, the man who would be popular, cannot
forgive the Count of Morcerf for being created a peer; and this marriage
broken off without a reason being assigned--yes, it is all from the same
cause."

"Make inquiries, Albert, but do not be angry without reason; make
inquiries, and if it be true"--

"Oh, yes, if it be true," cried the young man, "he shall pay me all I
have suffered."

"Beware, Morcerf, he is already an old man."

"I will respect his age as he has respected the honor of my family; if
my father had offended him, why did he not attack him personally? Oh,
no, he was afraid to encounter him face to face."

"I do not condemn you, Albert; I only restrain you. Act prudently."

"Oh, do not fear; besides, you will accompany me. Beauchamp, solemn
transactions should be sanctioned by a witness. Before this day closes,
if M. Danglars is guilty, he shall cease to live, or I shall die.
Pardieu, Beauchamp, mine shall be a splendid funeral!"

"When such resolutions are made, Albert, they should be promptly
executed. Do you wish to go to M. Danglars? Let us go immediately." They
sent for a cabriolet. On entering the banker's mansion, they perceived
the phaeton and servant of M. Andrea Cavalcanti. "Ah, parbleu, that's
good," said Albert, with a gloomy tone. "If M. Danglars will not fight
with me, I will kill his son-in-law; Cavalcanti will certainly fight."
The servant announced the young man; but the banker, recollecting
what had transpired the day before, did not wish him admitted. It was,
however, too late; Albert had followed the footman, and, hearing the
order given, forced the door open, and followed by Beauchamp found
himself in the banker's study. "Sir," cried the latter, "am I no longer
at liberty to receive whom I choose in my house? You appear to forget
yourself sadly."

"No, sir," said Albert, coldly; "there are circumstances in which one
cannot, except through cowardice,--I offer yo