"M. de Saint Remy?" repeated the count, impatiently, shocked at the impertinent examination of the porter.
"Not at home." So saying, Pipelet's rival drew the cord, and with a significant gesture, invited the unknown to retire.
"I will wait," said the count, and he passed on.
"Stay, friend! one does not enter that way into houses!" cried the porter, running after and taking him by the arm.
"How, scoundrel!" answered the old man, raising his cane; "you dare to touch me!"
"I will dare something else, if you do not walk out at once. I have told you that my lord was out, so walk off."
At this moment, Boyer, attracted by the sound of voices, made his appearance. "What is the matter?" demanded he.
"M. Boyer, this man will absolutely enter, although I have told him that my lord is out."
"Let us put a stop to this," replied the count, addressing Boyer; "I wish to see my son—-if he has gone out, I will wait."
We have said that Boyer was ignorant neither of the existence nor of the misanthropy of the father, and sufficiently a physiognomist, he did not for a moment doubt the identity of the count, but bowed low to him, and answered, "If your lordship will be so good as to follow me, I am at his orders."