'And then—what?'
'It seems that Madame has changed her mind.'
'I do not follow you. Do you know what you are saying?' His tone was coldly stern.
My temper began to rise at this. I put down the ribbons and said: 'Yes, I think I do—or else why has Madame come to Paris, and what is this story I hear about a Monsieur de Gomeron? If that is true it ends the matter.'
I got up as I spoke, and began to pace the room in my excitement.
'Had I been twenty years younger. Monsieur d'Auriac, I would have paraded you for what you have said; but my cloth and my age forbid it. My age, not because it has weakened my arm, but because it has taught me to think. My young friend, you are a fool.'
'I know I have been,' I said bitterly, 'but I shall be so no longer.'
'And, in saying so, confirm yourself in your folly. Are you so beside yourself that you condemn unheard! Sit down, man, and hear what I have to say. It will not keep you long. You can leave Paris five minutes after, if you like.'
I came back to my seat, and Palin continued: 'You appear to be offended at Madame de la Bidache's coming to Paris?'
'I am not offended—I have no right to be.'