Tantaine’s face changed. “What do you mean?” asked he.
“My daughter may refuse to accept M. de Croisenois.”
“Why should she? He is good-looking, pleasant, and agreeable.”
“Still she may refuse him.”
“If mademoiselle makes any objection,” said the old man in peremptory accents, “you must let me see her for a few minutes, and after that you will have no further difficulty with her.”
“Why, what could you have to say to my daughter?”
“I should say——”
“Well, what would you say?”
“I should say that if she loves any one, it is not M. de Breulh.” He endeavored to pass through the half-opened door, but the Count closed it violently.
“You shall not leave this room,” cried he, “until you have explained this insulting remark.”