Alfred and Edouard were struck by the change which had taken place in the poor devil’s aspect. But he repeated his question and Alfred replied:
"My name—why, you have just heard it,—Alfred de Marcey."
"Are you the son of the Baron de Marcey who was a colonel of cavalry?"
"Yes, he is my father. How do you know? Did you ever know him?"
"Yes,—that is to say, I have often heard him spoken of. But how old are you?"
"How old!" said Alfred in surprise; "twenty-four years."
The stranger seemed to reflect and to try to collect his memories; then he muttered in an undertone:
"Twenty-four years! Oh, yes! I remember, he had a son by his first wife—I heard that. And have you any brothers or sisters?"
"No, I have none," replied Alfred, whose curiosity was keenly aroused. "But might I know what interest you can possibly have in knowing about my family?"
The stranger evidently tried to assume his usual air of indifference as he replied: