"What's that? I have never been in love! No such fool!"
"Yes, you have been in love, a fool if you please, at least once in your life! Try to insist that you haven't," added Marcel, as he saw that the horticulturist turned pale and seemed perturbed once more.
"Enough of this nonsense!" retorted the uncle, tapping the floor angrily with his foot. "You are Madame d'Estrelle's attorney; are you instructed to sell the pavilion?"
"No, but I have the right to suggest it. How much will you give?"
"Not a sou. Let me alone."
"Then I can offer it to another purchaser?"
"What other?"
"There is no other in view at this moment. I am not given to lying, and I shall not deal falsely with you in the matters you have placed in my charge; but you are well aware that the street is being built up, and that by to-morrow, perhaps to-night, people will be fighting for the pavilion."
"Let Madame d'Estrelle take the trouble to enter into negotiations with me."
"Do you want her to receive you? Very good!"