It was perfectly evident to him, and to all the witnesses of this scene, that the heirs were unwilling to inquire into the causes of the baron’s hatred against Christian, because they felt a presentiment of the truth. M. Goefle had placed him designedly under his father’s portrait, and every one had instantly remarked the striking resemblance. But there were no words in the Swedish language bitter and sarcastic enough to express the aversion with which the presumptuous were beginning to regard this juggler, whom Johan had denounced, and whom M. Goefle (whose natural son he was) wished to establish as the baron’s heir, by means of an improbable romance and forged proofs.
M. Goefle remained impassible and smiling. Christian found it difficult to contain himself; but Margaret’s tender and supplicating glance enabled him to accomplish this miracle.
“Now,” said the minister, when silence was restored, “introduce M. Adam Stenson, who has been kept secluded in his apartment since he was released from prison.”
Adam Stenson appeared. He was dressed with care, and his sweet and noble face, worn with fatigue, but still dignified and serene, produced a most favorable impression. M. Goefle begged him to sit down, and proceeded to read the declaration written by his hand, and confided to Manasses, at Perugia. This document, which had not yet been brought forward, was listened to by some of the company with the greatest surprise and interest, and by others in sullen and gloomy silence.
The Russian ambassador, who had no such views for Christian as the Countess Elveda pretended, perhaps because she was trying to put them into his head, but who felt a genuine interest in the young man, on account of his handsome face and determined manner, began to express his approbation of the way in which this investigation was conducted, so as to do away with the necessity of a lawsuit, or, if there should be a suit, so as to throw all possible light upon the subject. It ought to be mentioned that Christian’s friends had persuaded this dignitary to be present, by urgent solicitations. The respect that M. Goefle took pains to show him, in spite of his prejudices against his policy, flattered the ambassador, who liked to be mixed up in the affairs of private individuals, as well as in public matters, in Sweden.
When the document had been read, the minister turned to Stenson, and asked him whether he could hear the questions that were addressed to him.
“Yes, Monsieur Minister,” replied Stenson; “I am very deaf, it is true, but sometimes I recover my hearing almost entirely, and I often hear things to which I do not wish to reply.”
“Will you answer to-day?”
“Yes, monsieur, I wish to do so.”
“Do you recognize your writing in this document?”