“It is not a very fortunate chance,” answered Andre, as he shook his head sadly.
For the first time Gandelu noticed the air of gravity which marked the young man, and the shade of sorrow upon his brow.
“What ails you, Andre?” asked he.
“A great misfortune is hanging over me.”
“What do you mean?”
“The naked truth and this misfortune may bring death and despair to me.”
“I am your friend, my dear boy,” said the old man, “and would gladly be of service to you. Tell me if I can be of any use?”
“I come to you to-day to ask a favor at your hands.”
“And you thought of the old man, then? I thank you for doing so. Give me your hand; I like to feel the grasp of an honest man’s hand; it warms my heart.”
“It is the secret of my life that I am going to confide to you,” said he, with some solemnity.