One day he came to see me, and found me alone. Gregorios had gone to the palace, and I have no doubt that Paul, who knew his habits, had chosen a morning for his visit when he was certain that Balsamides would not be at home. He looked annoyed and almost nervous, as he sat down in silence and began to smoke.
"Anything wrong?" I asked.
"I hardly know," he replied. "I am very uncomfortable. I am in a very disagreeable situation."
I was silent. I did not want to invite his confidence, and if he had come to tell me anything about himself, it was better to let him tell it in his own way.
"I am in a very disagreeable position," he repeated slowly. "I want to ask your advice."
"That is always a rash thing to do," I replied.
"I do not care. I must confide in you, as I did once before, but this time I only want your advice. My position is intolerable. I feel every day that I ought to ask Mr. Carvel to give me his daughter, and yet I cannot do it."
"Why not? It is certainly your duty," said I.
"Because Miss Carvel objects," he answered, with sudden energy. His voice sounded almost fierce as he spoke.
"Do you mean that she has not accepted"——