CHAPTER XXXVIII
THE RENDEZVOUS
LBERT'S first words to his friend, on the following morning, contained a request that Franz would accompany him to visit the count; true, he had thanked him the previous evening; but services such as he had rendered could never be too often acknowledged. Franz, whom an attraction mingled with dread drew toward the count, did not wish to permit his friend to go to him alone, and therefore accompanied him. After a short delay, the count joined them in the saloon.
"M. le Comte," said Albert, advancing to meet him, "permit me to repeat the poor thanks I offered last night, and to assure you that I shall never forget under what circumstances you came to my assistance, and shall always remember that to you I am indebted even for my life."
"My good friend and neighbor," replied the count, with a smile, "you really exaggerate my trifling exertions. You owe me nothing but some trifle of twenty thousand francs, which you have saved out of your traveling expenses—that is all, a matter not worth talking about; but you must permit me to congratulate you on courage and coolness."
"Upon my word," said Albert, "I just imagined that I had got into an awkward scrape and a duel had followed it; and I wished to let those bandits see that although men fight all over the world, there is no nation but the French can smile and fight. All that, however, has nothing to do with my obligations to you, and I now come to ask you whether, in my own person, my family, or connections, I can in any way serve you? My father, the Comte de Morcerf, although of Spanish origin, possesses considerable influence, both in France and in Spain, and I place myself, and all to whom my life is dear, at your disposal."
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