“Ah! there you are, Roland. That explains why your mother and sister did not write to you. But Josephine thought the matter so serious that you ought to be informed. She writes me this news and asks me to tell you of it if I think best. You see I have not hesitated.”
“I thank you sincerely, general. Does Lord Tanlay give any reason for this refusal?”
“A reason that is no reason.”
“What is it?”
“It can’t be the true one.”
“But what is it?”
“It is only necessary to look at the man and to talk with him for five minutes to understand that.”
“But, general, what reason does he give for breaking his word?”
“That your sister is not as rich as he thought she was.”
Roland burst into that nervous laugh which was a sign with him of violent agitation.