Page 231 (1/1)

"What circu you are before you tell me what I most wish to know?"

"Because, in truth, Albert"-"You hesitate?"

"Yes,--I fear"

"You fear to acknowledge that your correspondent his deceived you? Oh, no self-love, Beauchae cannot be doubted"

"Not so," htfully pale; he endeavored to speak, but the words died on his lips "My friend," said Beauchaladly raph was correct, my friend"

"What? That French officer"-"Yes"

"Fernand?"

"Yes"

"The traitor who surrendered the castle of the man in whose service he was"-"Pardon me, my friend, that man was your father!" Albert advanced furiously towards Beauchamp, but the latter restrained him more by a mild look than by his extended hand

"My friend," said he, "here is a proof of it"

Albert 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 al Albert tottered and fell overpowered in a chair It could no longer be doubted; the faiven After a ave way to a flood of tears Beaucha rief, approached him "Now, Albert," said he, "you understand e of everything forthe explanation would be in your father's favor, and that I ht do hiiven 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 doneme 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 fro him "I hastened to you," continued Beauchae, the faults of a father cannot revert upon his children Few have passed through this revolutionary period, in the midst of which ere born, without some stain of infaown of the istrate 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 crier 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?"