"I will not have my name dishonored," said he coldly to Florestan.
"Oh, my father! my savior!" cried the viscount, warmly; and he was about to throw himself into the arms of his father, when he, with an icy gesture, checked the impulse.
"They wait for you until three o'clock, at the house of this man who has the forgery?"
"Yes, my father; and it is now two o'clock."
"Let us pass into your cabinet—give me something to write with."
"Here, my father." The count seated himself before the desk of his son, and wrote with a firm hand:
"I engage to pay this night, at ten o'clock, the 25,000 francs which are owed by my son.
"COUNT DE SAINT REMY."
"Your creditor insists upon having the money; notwithstanding his threats, this engagement of mine will make him consent to a new delay; he can go to Mr. Dupont, banker, in the Rue de Richelieu, No. 7, who will inform him of the value of this note."
"Oh, father! however can—"