As he spoke he came forth from the inner room, dressed, as he said, like a mountaineer; that is to say, with a round velvet coat, trowsers, and gaiters; of his other costume he had only retained his pouch. He found me occupied in examing two carbines hanging opposite each other, and both inscribed-- "21st September, 1819: 11 A.M." "Are these carbines also historical?" I asked. "Yes," he answered. "For us, at least, they bear a historical significance. One was my father's--" He hesitated. "And the other," I suggested. "And the other," he said, laughing, "is my mother's. But let us go downstairs; my mother will be awaiting us." Then passing in front of me to show me the way he courteously signed to me to follow him. CHAPTER V. I MUST confess that as I descended to the supper-room I could not help thinking of Lucien's last remark, "The other is my mother's carbine;" and this circumstance compelled me to regard Madame de Franchi more closely than I had hitherto done. When her son entered the _salle à manger,_ he respectfully kissed her hand, and she received this homage with queenly dignity. "I am afraid that we have kept you waiting, mother," said Lucien; "I must ask your pardon." "In any case, that would be my fault, madame," I said, bowing to her. "Monsieur Lucien has been telling me and pointing out many curious things, and by my reiterated questions I have delayed him." "Rest assured," she said, "I have not been kept waiting; I have but this moment come downstairs. But," she continued, addressing Lucien, "I was rather anxious to ask you what news there was of Louis." "Your son has been ill, madame?" I asked. "Lucien is afraid so," she said. "Have you received a letter from your brother?" I inquired. "No," he replied, "and that is the very thing that makes me uneasy." "But, then, how can you possibly tell that he is out of sorts?" "Because during the last few days I have been suffering myself." "I hope you will excuse my continual questions; but, really, your answer does not make matters any clearer." "Well, you know that we are twins, don't you?" "Yes, my guide told me as much." "Were you also informed that when we came into the world we were joined together?" "No; I was ignorant of that circumstance." "Well, then, it was a fact, and we were obliged to be cut asunder. So that, you see, however distant we may be, we have ever the same body, so that any impression, physical or moral, which one may receive is immediately reflected in the other. During the last few days I felt _triste,_ morose, dull, and without any predisposing cause, so far as I am aware. I have experienced terrible pains in the region of the heart, and palpitations, so it is evident to me that my brother is suffering some great grief." I looked with astonishment at this young man, who affirmed such a strange thing without the slightest fear of contradiction, and his mother also appeared to entertain the same conviction as he did.