"Nothing easier, I believe, monsieur, than to meet your wishes. I shall so notify the Commissioner. But allow me a question—it may be indiscreet."
"What is it, monsieur?"
"I remember that eighteen months ago—and many a time and oft have I recalled the incident—I remember that, when I asked you to keep my casque as a memento of your generous conduct towards me, you answered—"
"That that would not be the only article from your family that my collection contained; not so?"
"Yes, monsieur."
"I told you the truth."
"You also told me, I believe, monsieur, that the Nerowegs of Plouernel—"
"Had several times, in the course of the ages and of events, encountered several members of my obscure slave, serf, vassal or plebeian family," the merchant put in, completing the sentence of the Count of Plouernel. "That is also true, monsieur."
"And what were the occasions? What the circumstances? How come you to be informed on events that took place so very long ago?"
"Permit me, monsieur, to keep that secret, and pardon me for having so thoughtlessly awakened in you a curiosity that I may not satisfy. Still laboring under the intoxicating influence of that day of triumphant civil war, and of the singular fatality that brought us, you and me, face to face, an allusion to the past escaped my lips. I regret it, because, I repeat—there are family remembrances that must never go outside of the domestic hearth."