“You are uncommonly kind,” replied the Professor, “but the parade is rather unnecessary. I am not going back just at present.”
“I promised Bragwaine that you would return with us,” said the Prince, sternly.
“Well, you ought not to make rash promises,” replied the Professor, with firmness.
“You will go, of course?”
“Of course I will not go.”
“Bragwaine is waiting for you.”
“That,” said the Professor, “is a matter of perfect indifference to me.”
“I will not be trifled with, sir,” said the Prince, angrily.
“Nor will I,” exclaimed the Professor. “Let us understand one another. I do not wish to marry any one. I did not ask your daughter to marry me, and I have never consented to the union. I tell you now that I positively and absolutely refuse to be forced to marry her or any other woman. I will do as I please about it; not as you please.”
“Seize him,” shrieked the Prince to his attendants.