“But how do you know?” asked the baron, his eyes glowing with joy at the hope of securing a fresh hold on the plunder. “In this case, Philip, the glory and honor of our house have not vanished; we triumph.”
“Ugh! you are really the very thing I feared,” said the captain with supreme disgust; “you have betrayed yourself—lacking presence of mind before your judge as righteousness before your son.”
“I have no luck with my children,” said the baron; “a fool and a brute.”
“I have yet to say two things to you. The King gave you a collar of pearls and diamonds—— ”
“To your sister.”
“To you. But words matter not. My sister does not wear such jewels. Return them or if you like not to offend his Majesty, keep them.”
He handed the casket to his father who opened it, and threw it on the chiffonier.
“We are not rich since you have pledged or sold the property of our mother—for which I am not blaming you, but so we must choose. If you keep this lodging, we will go to Taverney.”
“Nay, I prefer Taverney,” said the baron, fumbling with his lace ruffles while his lips quivered without Philip appearing to notice the agitation.
“Then we take this house.”