Montbrison, believing that his cousin reproached him in a playful manner for being too formal, said gayly to the viscount, who was white with rage, "I shall not insist, sir, since my cousin forbids. You see her tutelage commences."
"And this tutelage will not stop there, my dear sir, be quite assured. Thus, in this view of the case (which her grace the duchess will readily approve, I do not doubt), an idea has just struck me to make you a proposition."
"Me, sir?" said Conrad, beginning to dislike the sneering tone of
Florestan.
"You. I leave in some days for Gerolstein. I wish to dispose of my house, all furnished, and my stables; you also should make an arrangement." The viscount emphasized these last words, looking at Madame de Lucenay. "It would be very piquant, would it not, your grace?"
"I do not comprehend you, sir," said Montbrison, more and more astonished.
"I will tell you, Conrad, why you cannot accept the offer which has been made you," said Clotilde.
"And why cannot his grace accept my offer, madame?"
"My dear Conrad, that which is proposed to be sold to you is already sold to others. You comprehend? You would have the inconvenience of being robbed as on the highway."
Florestan bit his lips with rage. "Take care, madame," cried he.
"How? threats here?" said Conrad.