“And, perhaps, you will judge, like myself, that it would be the act of a gentleman to withdraw in presence of such positive repugnance?”
An ugly smile was wandering upon M. Costeclar’s pale lips.
“Is it at the request of your sister, sir, that you make me this communication?”
“No, sir.”
“Are you aware whether your sister has some inclination that may be an obstacle to the realization of my hopes?”
“Sir!”
“Excuse me! What I say has nothing to offend. It might very well be that your sister, before I had the honor of being introduced to her, had already fixed her choice.”
He spoke so loud, that Maxence looked sharply around to see whether there was not some one within hearing. He saw no one but a young man, who seemed quite absorbed reading a newspaper.
“But, sir,” he resumed, “what would you answer, if I, the brother of the young lady whom you wish to marry against her wishes,—I called upon you to cease your assiduities?”
M. Costeclar bowed ceremoniously,