THE RESOLUTION.
"I am listening," said Louis, leaning forward as if to hear the better.
Valentine resumed with a melancholy smile.
"We have now reached the 1st of January, 1835," said he; "with the last vibration of midnight your existence as a gentleman has come to an end. From this time you are about to commence a life of trials and struggles; in a word, you are about to become a man!"
The Count gave him an inquiring glance.
"I will explain myself," Valentine continued; "but in order to do that, you must, in the first place, allow me, in a few words, to recall your history to you."
"Surely, I am well enough acquainted with that," interrupted the Count, in a tone that displayed impatience.
"Well, perhaps you are; but, at all events, listen to my version of it; if I err, put me right."
"Follow your own humour," the Count replied, sinking back into his chair with the air of a man whom politeness obliges to listen to a tiresome discourse.
Though he saw it, Valentine appeared to take no notice of this movement on the part of his foster brother. He relit his cigar, which he had allowed to go out, patted the dog, whose great head was lying upon his knees, and began, as if convinced that Louis gave him the most profound attention.