"Really, Gerald, another of my great annoyances is the intense aversion—I will not say jealousy—you seem to entertain for a worthy young man whose exemplary life, modesty, and piety ought to be an example to you. Ah, would to Heaven that you had his principles and virtues! If that were the case, you would not prefer low company and a life of dissipation to a brilliant marriage which would assure your happiness and mine."
With this parting thrust Madame de Senneterre went to join M. de Macreuse, leaving her son alone, but not without making him promise that he would wait for her return.
CHAPTER XVII.
PRESUMPTION AND INDIGNATION.
When the duchess returned to her son, her cheeks were flushed, and intense indignation was depicted on her visage.
"Who ever would have believed it? Did any one ever hear of such audacity?" she exclaimed, on entering the room.
"What is the matter, mother?"
"M. de Macreuse is a scoundrel,—a vile scoundrel!" cried Madame de Senneterre, in a tempest of wrath.
Gerald could not help bursting into a hearty laugh, despite his mother's agitation; then, regretting this unseemly hilarity, he said:
"Forgive me, mother, but this revulsion of feeling is so sudden and so very remarkable! But tell me, has this man failed in respect to you?" demanded Gerald, very seriously, this time.
"Such a person as he is never forgets his manners," answered the duchess, spitefully.