"It is not a joke; I am very serious," said little Perrine. "Monsieur Vulfran forbade me to let anyone see this letter. I am obeying him."
"It was I who opened it."
"The letter in English is not the translation."
"Oh, my uncle will show me this wonderful translation presently," he replied.
"If your uncle shows it, very well; but that won't be me showing it. He gave me his orders and I must obey him."
He saw by her resolute attitude that if he wanted the paper he would have to take it from her by force. But then, if he did so, she would probably call out. He did not dare go as far as that.
"I am delighted to see how faithfully you carry out my uncle's orders, even in trivial things," he said, sarcastically, leaving the room.
When he had gone and closed the door Perrine tried to go on with her work, but she was so upset she found it impossible to do so. She knew that Theodore was not delighted, as he had said, but furious. If he intended to make her pay for thwarting his will, how could she defend herself against such a powerful enemy? He could crush her with the first blow and she would have to leave.
The door was again opened and Talouel, with gliding step, came into the room. His eyes fell at once on the letter.
"Well, how is the translation of that letter from Dacca coming along?" he asked.