“I will tell you when I know him better; I never make up my mind in a hurry. You ought to be aware of that by this time.”
The other, ill-contented with this reticence, would have persisted in his questioning, but the old man, seeing this, shut him up sharply.
“Be silent, Andros! I will give you my opinion in my own good time. Meanwhile, mind you treat my guests with all courtesy.”
“Even Creespeen?” said Caliphronas, with a sneer.
“Yes, even Crispin,” reiterated Justinian in a fiery tone. “I have my reasons for acting as I do now. If you dare to disobey my orders, I have a way to silence you.”
Caliphronas turned pale, for he knew that Justinian was absolute ruler of Melnos, while he was thoroughly well hated by the inhabitants, one and all.
“I have no intention of acting contrary to your desires,” he replied sulkily, rising to his feet; “but I cannot understand the meaning of your actions. However, I have done what you desired, and Mr. Maurice is in Melnos. Now, I presume, you will fulfil your part of the bargain.”
“Certainly; you have my permission to pay your addresses to my daughter.”
“And you will make her marry me?” asked Caliphronas eagerly.
The King sprang from his seat with a gesture of anger.