第396章

Morcerf was so completely overwhelmed by this great and unexpected calamity that he could scarcely stammer a few words as he looked around on the assembly.This timidity, which might proceed from the astonishment of innocence as well as the shame of guilt, conciliated some in his favor;for men who are truly generous are always ready to compassionate when the misfortune of their enemy surpasses the limits of their hatred.

The president put it to the vote, and it was decided that the investigation should take place.The count was asked what time he required to prepare his defence.Morcerf's courage had revived when he found himself alive after this horrible blow."My lords," answered he, "it is not by time Icould repel the attack made on me by enemies unknown to me, and, doubtless, hidden in obscurity; it is immediately, and by a thunderbolt, that I must repel the flash of lightning which, for a moment, startled me.Oh, that I could, instead of taking up this defence, shed my last drop of blood to prove to my noble colleagues that I am their equal in worth." These words made a favorable impression on behalf of the accused."I demand, then, that the examination shall take place as soon as possible, and I will furnish the house with all necessary information.""What day do you fix?" asked the president.

"To-day I am at your service," replied the count.The president rang the bell."Does the House approve that the examination should take place to-day?""Yes," was the unanimous answer.

A committee of twelve members was chosen to examine the proofs brought forward by Morcerf.The investigation would begin at eight o'clock that evening in the committee-room, and if postponement were necessary, the proceedings would be resumed each evening at the same hour.Morcerf asked leave to retire; he had to collect the documents he had long been preparing against this storm, which his sagacity had foreseen.

Albert listened, trembling now with hope, then with anger, and then again with shame, for from Beauchamp's confidence he knew his father was guilty, and he asked himself how, since he was guilty, he could prove his innocence.Beauchamp hesitated to continue his narrative."What next?" asked Albert.

"What next? My friend, you impose a painful task on me.Must you know all?""Absolutely; and rather from your lips than another's.""Muster up all your courage, then, for never have you required it more." Albert passed his hand over his forehead, as if to try his strength, as a man who is preparing to defend his life proves his shield and bends his sword.He thought himself strong enough, for he mistook fever for energy."Go on," said he.

"The evening arrived; all Paris was in expectation.Many said your father had only to show himself to crush the charge against him; many others said he would not appear;while some asserted that they had seen him start for Brussels; and others went to the police-office to inquire if he had taken out a passport.I used all my influence with one of the committee, a young peer of my acquaintance, to get admission to one of the galleries.He called for me at seven o'clock, and, before any one had arrived, asked one of the door-keepers to place me in a box.I was concealed by a column, and might witness the whole of the terrible scene which was about to take place.At eight o'clock all were in their places, and M.de Morcerf entered at the last stroke.

He held some papers in his hand; his countenance was calm, and his step firm, and he was dressed with great care in his military uniform, which was buttoned completely up to the chin.His presence produced a good effect.The committee was made up of Liberals, several of whom came forward to shake hands with him."Albert felt his heart bursting at these particulars, but gratitude mingled with his sorrow: he would gladly have embraced those who had given his father this proof of esteem at a moment when his honor was so powerfully attacked."At this moment one of the door-keepers brought in a letter for the president.`You are at liberty to speak, M.de Morcerf,'

said the president, as he unsealed the letter; and the count began his defence, I assure you, Albert, in a most eloquent and skilful manner.He produced documents proving that the Vizier of Yanina had up to the last moment honored him with his entire confidence, since he had interested him with a negotiation of life and death with the emperor.He produced the ring, his mark of authority, with which Ali Pasha generally sealed his letters, and which the latter had given him, that he might, on his return at any hour of the day or night, gain access to the presence, even in the harem.

Unfortunately, the negotiation failed, and when he returned to defend his benefactor, he was dead.`But,' said the count, `so great was Ali Pasha's confidence, that on his death-bed he resigned his favorite mistress and her daughter to my care.'" Albert started on hearing these words; the history of Haidee recurred to him, and he remembered what she had said of that message and the ring, and the manner in which she had been sold and made a slave."And what effect did this discourse produce?" anxiously inquired Albert."Iacknowledge it affected me, and, indeed, all the committee also," said Beauchamp.

"Meanwhile, the president carelessly opened the letter which had been brought to him; but the first lines aroused his attention; he read them again and again, and fixing his eyes on M.de Morcerf, `Count,' said he, `you have said that the Vizier of Yanina confided his wife and daughter to your care?' -- `Yes, sir,' replied Morcerf; `but in that, like all the rest, misfortune pursued me.On my return, Vasiliki and her daughter Haidee had disappeared.' -- `Did you know them?' -- `My intimacy with the pasha and his unlimited confidence had gained me an introduction to them, and I had seen them above twenty times.'