"I pray you read it; I am too much excited," replied Roger.
Monsieur Dalize read as follows:
"Sir:
"The researches which I have made in my docket to find the register of birth of Paul Solange must be my excuse for the delay. We have not the register of birth which you ask for, but in its place is a paper so important that I have not the right to part with it; still, I shall be ready to place this paper under your eyes when you come to Paris.
"Yours respectfully," etc.
"I go," said Monsieur Dalize, consulting his watch; "I have just time to catch the train, and I shall return in time for dinner. Go back to the château and tell them that an important letter calls me to Paris."
Monsieur Roger took the hand of his friend with a joy which he could not conceal, and said,—
"Thank you."
"I go to please you," answered Monsieur Dalize, not wishing that his friend should have hopes excited, for failure might leave him more unhappy than ever. "I am going to see this important paper, but I see no reason why it should show that Paul was not the son of Monsieur Solange. So keep calm; you will need all your calmness on my return."
Before leaving, Monsieur Dalize opened the envelope of the second letter; as the first lines caught his eyes, an expression of sorrow and surprise came over his face.
"That is very strange and very sad," said he.
"What is it?" asked Roger.