"Monsieur," said he, "I owe you much—my family owe you much; but you must pardon me demanding on what terms you are with my eldest daughter?"
"Monsieur de Thoisy," I began, not knowing what the deuce to say; "I beseech you to consider——"
"To the point at once," said he drily, "to the point, M. le Capitaine, as a man of honour, for such I deem you.",
"M. de Thoisy, I love her."
"Parbleu! I dreaded some such dénoûment as this! but is it honest—is it a fair return for my hospitality—my unceasing kindness to you?"
"We cannot control our hearts, my dear sir."
"But we may control our passions!" said he impetuously; "and I believe there is no heart in the matter."
"Alas! sir, do not talk thus; what heart could have escaped here? If I had not fallen in love with Georgette, I must have done so with Julie—if not with Julie, with Claire; for three girls more winning and charming——"
"Sacre! I can understand all that; but tell me, does Georgette love you in return?"
"I rejoice in the hope——"