“There, I have finished.” And he rang for his valet.
“Joseph,” said he, “I am at home to no one, not even to the Baron Giordano. If he calls, ask him to wait in the salon. I wish to be alone with this gentlemen for ten minutes.”
The valet shut the door and disappeared.
“Now, my dear Alexander, listen. Giordano is a Corsican, and has Corsican ideas. I cannot, therefore, confide all I desire to him. I will ask him to keep the secret, that’s all. But as regards yourself, I wish you, if you will permit me, to request that you will promise to observe my instructions.”
“Certainly. Is not that the duty of a second?”
“A duty more real than you imagine, for you can save our family a second misfortune if you will.”
“A second misfortune!” I exclaimed.
“Wait. Read this letter.”
I took the letter addressed to Madame de Franchi, and read as follows, with growing astonishment:—