Stanton was silent.
"What are they?" again demanded Hélène.
"It is enough that I know," replied Stanton. "It is enough for you to know that I know."
Hélène shook her head. "It is not enough," she said.
"If you don't tell him to go at once, you will force me to have him ordered from the house!"
"Father," Hélène was almost calm now. "Tell me, for God's sake, tell me what has he done?"
Stanton bit his lip with anger. The obstinacy of the girl was fast driving him to extremes. "He is not fit to be in this house," he almost shouted, "or to associate with gentlefolk."
"But he is so good, so gentle! How can I suddenly tell him to go? Father, I cannot believe that."
"You don't believe me? Has it come to a question of my word—your father's word against a stranger, a beggar! Do you know I can have the man put in prison?"
Hélène stopped suddenly; she was very quiet now. "Is it as bad as that?" she asked almost in a whisper. Stanton was silent. "Father, can you—put—him—in prison?"