Chanet was perfectly astounded at the coolness displayed by his companion.
“Oh, from madame, eh?” he stammered.
“Yes, from her; and are you not going to be married to mademoiselle at the time you have just named—in five weeks from this date?”
“No!” thundered forth the mountaineer. “No, I am not.”
“Indeed you surprise me.”
“Do I?”
“Well, yes, I confess you do. May I ask why you are not able, or possibly it may be willing, to keep your engagement?”
“Willing!” yelled Chanet in a voice of concentrated passion. “Do not aggravate me—do not taunt me.”
“I have no desire to do so—you are quite excited enough already.”
“You ask me why I am not going to marry Theresa Trieste. You do not know, I suppose?”