“With the nurse, whom you were forced to engage.”
“I tell you I have not brought my child, which I removed only that it should not be brought up to despise its father.”
“If I could believe this true,” said Philip, “I should deem you less of a rogue; but you are a thief, why not a liar?”
“A man cannot steal his own property. And the child is mine!”
“Wretch, do you flout me? will you tell me where my sister’s child is? will you restore it to me?”
“I do not wish to give up my boy.”
“Gilbert, listen, I speak to you quietly. Andrea loves the child, your child, with frenzy. She will be touched by your repentance, I promise you. But restore the child, Gilbert.”
“You would not believe me and I shall not trust you,” rejoined Gilbert, with dull fire in his eyes and folding his arms: “Not because I do not believe you an honorable man but because you have the prejudices of your caste. We are mortal enemies and as you are the stronger, enjoy your victory. But do not ask me to lay down my arm; it guards me against scorn, insult and ingratitude.”
“I do not want to butcher you,” said the officer, with froth at the mouth: “but you shall have the chance to kill Andrea’s brother. One crime more will not matter. Take one of these pistols and let us count three, turn and fire.”
“A duel is just what I refuse Andrea’s brother,” said the young man, not stooping for the firearm.