"How do you mean?"
"I speak of the Vicomte de Talizac, who is dishonoring himself, dishonors you, and compromises the cause to which you belong!"
"My son is young—if he has committed some peccadillo——"
"Peccadillo is hardly the word to use. Are you thus lenient toward one who is some day to bear your name?"
Fongereues writhed under this severe language, and yet he tried to contain himself, for De Montferrand was a precious ally. It was he who had induced Monsieur de Salves to accept the overtures of marriage made by the De Fongereues family.
"Speak," he said, "speak frankly. Your age and the long intimacy existing between our families give you the right to do so."
"The Vicomte de Talizac has this night endeavored to murder my son!"
"Impossible, sir!"
"My son never lies. He endeavored to prevent an infamous act, and Talizac attacked him with a knife. Arthur in return slapped the Vicomte's face."
Fongereues started forward.