"I understand the delicacy of your conduct, and am deeply touched by it, my boy," said the old man, with emotion; "it is another proof of your goodness and generosity of heart. But listen to me, my son, for it is to your kind heart and affection for me that I address myself." "What is it?" "It is something very grave and serious; not only for you, but for me also." The old man's expression was so solemn as he uttered the last words, that the son looked up in surprise. There was a knock at the door at that moment, and the concierge entered, saying, "Here is a letter for you, Monsieur Louis." "Very well," said the young man, taking the letter absent-mindedly, his whole attention centered on the grave subject just announced by his father. "If you should go out this evening, Monsieur Louis," added the man, as he moved away, "don't forget to stop at my lodge; I have something to say to you." "Very well," replied Louis carelessly, as the man vanished. Old Richard had recognized Mariette's letter at a first glance, and for a moment he was tempted to allow Louis to read it at once; but on further reflection he resolved to delay the blow. "My dear boy," he remarked, "you will have plenty of time to read your letter later, and I want you to listen to me just now, for the subject is of the highest importance to us both." "I am at your service, father," replied Louis, laying the letter on the table. CHAPTER VI. "As I have already said," observed old Richard, after a moment of silence, "I shall appeal to your kind heart and affection for me. "You have but to speak, then, my father," rejoined the young man dutifully. "You declared a few moments ago that if you sometimes dreamed of a more luxurious existence, it was not for yourself, being entirely satisfied with your humble condition, but for me." "And I repeat it!" "Well, my child, the realization of your wish depends on yourself only." "What do you mean?" "Listen to me. Reverses of fortune, which closely followed your mother's death, while you were still a child, robbed me of nearly all I possessed, leaving me barely enough to provide for your education. When this was all spent I was forced to open a bureau as public scribe--" "True, my good, kind father," said the young man, with emotion; "and seeing with what courage and resignation you endured ill-fortune, my affection and veneration for you augmented to a degree that falls little short of worship." "This ill-fortune may pursue us, my child; I am growing old, my sight is dimmed, and I foresee the sad day when it shall become impossible for me to earn our daily bread." "My father, rely on--" "On you? You will do your best, I know, but your own future is precarious. You shall never be more than first or second clerk, for it requires money to buy out a notary's office, and I am poor." "Don't be alarmed, I shall always earn enough for both."