"The Duke de Morlay-La-Branche loves Esperance passionately."
"Well, that is a pity for the Duke, but he will console himself easily enough."
Maurice was silent before he continued, "Esperance is madly in love with the Duke!"
François started violently.
"You are raving, Maurice; she is engaged to Count Styvens and has no right to forget him."
"She has never been in love with the Count, and can hardly endure him since she has foreseen another future."
"What future?"
"The Duke wants to marry Esperance."
"But it is impossible, impossible," said the philosopher violently. "A word that has been given cannot be taken back so lightly."
"Calm yourself, uncle, if you please. For three days I have been wandering about in this untenable situation. We must make a decision. Every instant I fear an outbreak either from Albert or from the Duke."