There was a knock at the door at that moment, and the concierge entered, saying, "Here is a letter for you, Monsieur Louis."
"Very well," said the young man, taking the letter absent-mindedly, his whole attention centered on the grave subject just announced by his father.
"If you should go out this evening, Monsieur Louis," added the man, as he moved away, "don't forget to stop at my lodge; I have something to say to you."
"Very well," replied Louis carelessly, as the man vanished.
Old Richard had recognized Mariette's letter at a first glance, and for a moment he was tempted to allow Louis to read it at once; but on further reflection he resolved to delay the blow.
"My dear boy," he remarked, "you will have plenty of time to read your letter later, and I want you to listen to me just now, for the subject is of the highest importance to us both."
"I am at your service, father," replied Louis, laying the letter on the table.
CHAPTER VI.
"As I have already said," observed old Richard, after a moment of silence, "I shall appeal to your kind heart and affection for me.
"You have but to speak, then, my father," rejoined the young man dutifully.