“Well, then, you have had the kindness to clear up many things which were before obscure to me; but one thing you did not touch upon. You have shown me your beautiful weapons, which I should like to examine again before my departure.”
“Granted. That’s one reason.”
“You have explained to me the inscriptions upon the carbines.”
“That’s another reason.”
“You have made it clear to me that, thanks to the phenomenon of your birth, you always experience—although far away from him, the same sensations that agitate your brother, and no doubt he feels equally your troubles.”
“That is a third reason for your belief in my sorcery!”
“Yes, but Madame de Franchi, when referring to the sadness you lately have experienced, and which leads you to think that some misfortune threatens your brother, asked you if you were sure he were not dead, and you replied ‘No, for then I should have seen him.’ ”
“Yes, I remember I did say so.”
“Well, then, if such an explanation may be entrusted to a stranger, will you explain to me how this could happen?”
The young man’s face had assumed a very grave expression as I was speaking, and I hesitated to pronounce the last words.