The time passed; Edouard, who was burning with impatience to see Isaure again, was surprised at Alfred’s tardiness. He appeared at last; but when he saw Edouard, his brow darkened and an expression of vexation appeared upon his face.
"I was waiting for you!" said Edouard, going to meet Alfred, whose hand he tried to take; but Alfred at once drew his hand away, replying coldly:
"Why are you waiting for me?"
"In order to go with you—to go with you to see Isaure."
"With me!" exclaimed Alfred satirically; "it seems to me that hereafter that is not worth while, and that each of us is at liberty to do what he pleases. Go, let nothing detain you. I, too, shall go alone to the valley."
"You are still angry with me, Alfred!" said Edouard in a sorrowful tone.
"Oh, no! I should be very wrong to be angry, no doubt; you are so frank in your conduct! And when do you propose to marry Isaure?"
Edouard made no reply; he seemed embarrassed.
"Well! you do not answer," continued Alfred ironically; "when a man is so much in love, and is certain that he is loved in return, I do not see why he should postpone his happiness; you are both free; there is nothing to interfere with your contracting this bond. Is it your purpose to conceal your marriage? to make a mystery of it? you who have so much contempt for the prejudices of society!"
"No, monsieur; if I marry Isaure, I shall not make it a mystery; I shall not fear to call her my wife openly."