“Ah!” said the baron, more and more astonished, “it is the queen then——”
“Yes, monsieur, who took the trouble to go to St. Denis.”
“Then, sir, it only remains to acquaint you with my daughter’s fortune. She is not rich, and before concluding——”
“It is needless, M. le Baron; I am rich enough for both.”
At this moment the door opened, and Philippe entered, pale and wild looking.
“Sir,” said he, “my father was right to wish to discuss these things with you. While he goes up-stairs to bring the papers I have something to say to you.”
When they were left alone, “M. de Charny,” said he, “how dare you come here to ask for the hand of my sister?” Charny colored. “Is it,” continued Philippe, “in order to hide better your amours with another woman whom you love, and who loves you? Is it, that by becoming the husband of a woman who is always near your mistress, you will have more facilities for seeing her?”
“Sir, you pass all bounds.”
“It is, perhaps; and this is what I believe, that were I your brother-in-law, you think my tongue would be tied about what I know of your past amours.”
“What you know?”