“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 banker of Paris, 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.”