"Ah," said Paul quickly, "has Bernard told you all that happened at the château?"
"At least, as much as he knew; but there are a good many things that are difficult to understand; and Bernard says that you have more precise details. For instance, why did Élisabeth stay at the château?"
"Because she wanted to," said Paul. "I was not told of her decision until later, by letter."
"I know. But why didn't you take her with you, Paul?"
"When I left Ornequin, I made all the necessary arrangements for her to go."
"Good. But you ought not to have left Ornequin without her. All the trouble is due to that."
M. d'Andeville had been speaking with a certain acerbity, and, as Paul did not answer, he asked again:
"Why didn't you take Élisabeth away? Bernard said that there was something very serious, that you spoke of exceptional circumstances. Perhaps you won't mind explaining."
Paul seemed to suspect a latent hostility in M. d'Andeville; and this irritated him all the more on the part of a man whose conduct now appeared to him so perplexing:
"Do you think," he said, "that this is quite the moment?"