"But, father, I have just seen her, and she not only refused me, but she slapped my face, and told me never to speak to her again."
"What!" exclaimed Duval, "Do you mean to tell me that she actually hit you?"
"Yes, father, and what is more she shouted at the top of her voice for Delapine to come to her assistance. 'Henri, Henri,' she cried, 'help me, help me,' and then she went into hysterics and hoped she would never set eyes on me again."
The General whistled. After a moment.... "This is a fine state of things," he said. "We must put our heads together and see whether we should merely watch and wait, or make a counter attack, or fight a rearguard action. The fat is in the fire, and no mistake. But, tell me, what did you do to her to put her in such a rage?"
"I merely went into the garden with some wraps, and when I had put them round her and paid her a few lover's compliments, I kissed her. Nothing else, I swear."
"Now tell me, Pierre, as man to man, on your honour that you did nothing else."
"Absolutely nothing, on my honour, sir, I swear to you."
"Then the solution of the problem is simple ... she is in love with Delapine."
"I am of that opinion too," replied Pierre, "because I have seen them billing and cooing together more than once, and besides that, she addressed the professor by his Christian name when she called out for help. I remembered his Christian name was Henri.
"Now I know for certain that she is in love with Delapine. Well, we must outmanœuvre him, n'est-ce pas?