But whilst the father was thus tasking every power
of his trained intellect, and crowning his career with
forensic fires, that now, in the evening of his genius,
burned even more signally, than they had done in
the midst of its meridian splendors; -- whilst thus
calling upon his great gifts, that, like to antique
jewels brightened by abrasion in the wearing, shone
yet the more from the polish of experience; and
while lending a legal learning that, as a rapier
which, ever ready and ever in requisition, has
acquired no rust, was the more available from long
practice combined with intuitive tact; -- whilst all this
was passing in high and public court, the ignoble son
was awaking in a low lodging; weary and stiff after
the raid of the past night, anxious and timid from a
sense of guilt, and fearful of a future calling to account.
His first wish was to discover whether his sire was
yet informed of the disappearance of his ward. He
knew that his father was retained in the trial
which had been fixed for that day, and had there
been any whom he could conveniently have sent to
ascertain whether or not the advocate was in court,
he would have despatched one thither, but he could
prevail upon none about him to go for love, and
money he had none to offer. His mother, alarmed
at her master's discovery of the participation by
Narcisse in their successful conspiracy, and not know-
ing where to find the latter, had despatched a messen-
ger to the lodging of their bold and insolent accom-
plice, Alphonse Duchatel, requesting him to warn her
son to avoid his father during that day. But the
messenger failed to find him, and Narcisse at last
arose, dressed, and, prompted by a curiosity that

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p113 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p114w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p115

v?