"Why the devil does that long-toothed, pompous creature have to put in his oar?" whispered Commander Bernard to Olivier, who was standing beside him.
"I haven't the slightest idea, uncle. I am quite as much surprised to find the man here as you are, and why he should desire to refer to the offer he made me now, I cannot imagine."
"Oh, well, it can have no other ill effect than to make your dear Ernestine still more fond of you on learning that you sacrificed a colossal fortune on account of your love for her."
"It is just this sort of publicity given to a very natural act that so annoys me," replied Olivier.
"You are right, my boy," chimed in the old officer. "One does such things as that for one's own approval, not for the approval of others."
Then, turning to the Duc de Senneterre, he added:
"Say, M. Gerald, that little hunchback seated beside the notary is the marquis you were telling us about, is it not?"
"Yes, commander."
"It is very odd. Sometimes he looks as cunning as a fox, and sometimes as kind and gentle as a child. See how tenderly he is gazing at Mlle. Herminie now."
"M. de Maillefort has as noble a heart as yours, commander. That means everything."