"Very good; well, I wish to know that reason."
"And suppose I refuse to tell it to you?"
"I shall not accept your proposition."
"You will be wrong."
"That is possible."
"Reflect."
"I have reflected."
There was a moment's silence, which the old man interrupted—
"You are a suspicious and headstrong boy," he said to him, "who, through a false feeling of honour, risk losing an opportunity which you will probably never find again."
"I will run the risk; I wish to be frank with you; I only know you from very ill reports; your reputation is execrable, and nothing proves to me that, under the pretext of serving me, you may not be laying a snare for me."