But the old man paid no attention to this lover's nonsense. It's doubtful whether he even heard.
“What is it?” he asked. “What's the nature of...”
“Call it a youthful folly, Monsieur le Chevalier. An inconceivable, incredible result of...”
He stopped short. “He will never believe the story,” he thought. “He will only think I am taking him for a fool and get offended.” General D'Hubert spoke up again. “Yes, originating in youthful folly it has become...”
The Chevalier interrupted. “Well then it must be arranged.”
“Arranged.”
“Yes. No matter what it may cost your amour propre. You should have remembered you were engaged. You forgot that, too, I suppose. And then you go and forget your quarrel. It's the most revolting exhibition of levity I ever heard of.”
“Good heavens, Chevalier! You don't imagine I have been picking up that quarrel last time I was in Paris or anything of the sort. Do you?”
“Eh? What matters the precise date of your insane conduct!” exclaimed the Chevalier testily. “The principal thing is to arrange it...”
Noticing General D'Hubert getting restive and trying to place a word, the old émigré raised his arm and added with dignity: