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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from The Deputy of Arcis by Honore de Balzac: and I shouldn't ask to see the certificate of his birth."
"It would satisfy you to see his toilet," whispered Vinet in her ear.
"But the king makes counts," said Madame Marion, who had now joined
the group and was surveying the bevy of young ladies.
"Ah! madame," remarked Vinet, "but some young girls prefer their
counts already made."
"Well, Monsieur Antonin," said Cecile, laughing at Vinet's sarcasm.
"Your ten minutes have expired, and you haven't told us whether the
Unknown is a count or not."
"I shall keep my promise," replied the sub-prefect, perceiving at that
moment the head of his valet in the doorway; and again he left his
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