"Well, yes, monsieur," answered Olivier, impatiently, "you did."
"And did not M. Olivier Raymond clearly, positively, and categorically decline this offer?"
"Yes, monsieur."
"Did not the honourable witness state, as the reason for this refusal, the fact that his heart and honour were alike bound by an engagement that would assure his happiness for life? Were these not, in substance, this honourable gentleman's own words?"
"It is true, monsieur, and, thanks be to God! what was then my dearest hope becomes a reality to-day," added the young man with an eloquent look at Ernestine.
"Such disinterestedness is positively inconceivable," said the Duchesse de Senneterre to her daughter, sotto voce. "It was associating with such people that spoiled our poor Gerald so."
Mlle. de Senneterre cast down her eyes and dared not answer her mother, who continued:
"But I fail to understand the situation. If this heroic gentleman declined Mlle. de Beaumesnil, what are she and that idiotic guardian of hers doing here? It is too much of a puzzle for me. Let us wait and see."
In spite of the pride and delight that this public exposition of Olivier's noble conduct excited in Ernestine's heart, she was by no means entirely reassured in regard to the scruples he might feel when he discovered that his little embroideress was Mlle. de Beaumesnil.
"I have now only to thank M. Olivier Raymond for the very honest, explicit, and straightforward manner in which he has answered the questions that have been addressed to him," said the baron, reseating himself, "and to request this honourable assemblage to kindly take full cognisance of my young friend's noble words."