“What the deuce! be careful what you are doing!”
Ernest simply smiled and said:
“That was very unlucky!”
Tall Armide saw the smile, and said to her husband:
“That man did it on purpose; he doesn’t even condescend to deny it.”
And the mother-in-law added:
“I trust, Monsieur de Bélan, that this is not the end of this business, and that my daughter’s dress will not be ruined with impunity. This gentleman must apologize,—he must!”
Bélan had become much less belligerent since he was married; however, he left his wife and walked up to Ernest, who had halted a few steps away.
“Monsieur, you have spoiled my wife’s dress, and I am surprised that you do not at least apologize, like a man of breeding.”
“Monsieur, you and your wife have tried to destroy my wife’s reputation; a dress may be washed, but slanderous words are not to be effaced for a long while; so that it is for you, monsieur, to apologize to me.”