“That was very stingy on his part,” he said, “why did he not offer the whole? Offers cost nothing; although I have no doubt that this sweet youth would cheerfully give ten thousand francs to put the ocean between you and him.”
“Monsieur! what reason?”
“Who knows? Perhaps for the same reason that he had not set foot in his uncle’s house for a month.”
“But that is the truth, monsieur, I am sure of it.”
“Naturally,” said M. Verduret with a provoking smile. “But,” he continued with a serious air, “we have devoted enough time to this Adonis. Now, be good enough to change your dress, and we will go and call on M. Fauvel.”
This proposal seemed to stir up all of Prosper’s anger.
“Never!” he exclaimed with excitement, “no, never will I voluntarily set eyes on that wretch!”
This resistance did not surprise M. Verduret.
“I can understand your feelings toward him,” said he, “but at the same time I hope you will change your mind. For the same reason that I wished to see M. de Lagors, do I wish to see M. Fauvel; it is necessary, you understand. Are you so very weak that you cannot put a constraint upon yourself for five minutes? I shall introduce myself as one of your relatives, and you need not open your lips.”
“If it is positively necessary,” said Prosper, “if—”