CHAPTER LI
THE SECRET NOTE
Letter to the author.
The marquis summoned him; M. de la Mole looked rejuvenated, his eye was brilliant.
"Let us discuss your memory a little," he said to Julien, "it is said to be prodigious. Could you learn four pages by heart and go and say them at London, but without altering a single word?"
The marquis was irritably fingering the day's Quotidienne, and was trying in vain to hide an extreme seriousness which Julien had never noticed in him before, even when discussing the Frilair lawsuit.
Julien had already learned sufficient manners to appreciate that he ought to appear completely taken in by the lightness of tone which was being manifested.
"This number of the Quotidienne is not very amusing possibly, but if M. the marquis will allow me, I shall do myself the honour to-morrow morning of reciting it to him from beginning to end."
"What, even the advertisements?"
"Quite accurately and without leaving out a word."
"You give me your word?" replied the marquis with sudden gravity.
"Yes, monsieur; the only thing which could upset my memory is the fear of breaking my promise."
"The fact is, I forgot to put this question to you yesterday: I am not going to ask for your oath never to repeat what you
