"My father—I will know who my father is!" said the obstinate youth; "I will perish if I must, but I will know it. What will scandal do to me? Why, good, fame, advertising, as the journalists say. You great people always lose something by scandal, notwithstanding your millions and coats of arms. Come, who is my father?"
"I came to tell you."
"Ah!" cried Benedetto, his eyes sparkling with joy.
Just then the door opened, and the jailer, addressing himself to Bertuccio, said:
"Excuse me, sir, but the juge d'instruction is waiting for the prisoner."
"And so closes our interview," said Andrea to the worthy steward; "I wish the troublesome fellow were at the devil!"
"I will return to-morrow," said Bertuccio.
"Good! Gendarmes, I am at your service. Ah, sir, do leave a few crowns for me at the gate, that I may have some things I am in need of!"
"It shall be done," replied Bertuccio.
Andrea extended his hand; Bertuccio kept his own in his pocket, and merely jingled a few pieces of money.
"That's what I mean," said Andrea, endeavoring to smile, quite overcome by the strange tranquillity of Bertuccio.
"Can I be deceived!" he murmured, as he stepped into the oblong and grated vehicle which they call "the salad basket."
"Never mind, we shall see! Then, to-morrow!" he added, turning toward Bertuccio.
"To-morrow!" replied the steward.
