"Hein?" said Vauquelin, starting.
"That the engagement will soon be announced?"
"Mon Dieu, is it not extraordinary how people seek to rob me of my child?" he moaned.
"Does that mean that nothing is arranged yet?"
"Why not leave well alone? Are we not all comfortable as we are? I have made no definite reply to madame Daudenarde—I cannot be bustled. Have you ever thought that when I part from Blanche, I shall be left here by myself?"
"Yes. It has even occurred to me that you have thought of it, too."
"Naturally. It is not strange that I should tremble at such a prospect. To be solitary is a sad thing."
"It is for your own sake, then, not hers, that you delay?"
"For the first time I find you lacking!" he broke out. "You do not seem to comprehend the workings of a father's heart."
"I have never had one."