“Bah! men don’t die nowadays for love, or women either,” the General growled.
“Besides,” continued Gaston, “you are under the deepest obligations to tell me fairly your reasons.”
“Obligations?”
“The obligations of the commonest justice between man and man. You invited me to your home. I was your welcome guest. You encouraged my suit for your daughter’s hand.”
“How dare you say such a thing, sir!”
“Because she told me you did. I was led to believe that you not only looked with favour on my suit, but that you were pleased with it. I asked for your daughter. You insulted my manhood by refusing me permission even to seek an interview, and know the reasons for your change of views. Since then you have treated me with plain brutality. Now something caused this change.”
“Certainly something caused it, something of tremendous importance,” said the General.
“I am entitled to know what it is.”
“Simply this. I received information concerning you, your habits, your associates, your character, and your family, that caused me to change my mind.”
“Did you inquire as to their truth?”