"I refuse."
"Ten thousand, then?"
Mansart laughed and snapped his dry fingers.
"Come, I offer you fifteen thousand francs, and not a sou further will I go."
Simon was visibly moved, and his hands rested nervously upon the heads of his great curs; but he controlled the rising temptation and answered, bitterly:—
"It is clear that you fear me or you would not make such overtures. I decline your offer."
"Think well! I will never yield this girl."
"That is unfortunate, for I certainly intend to win her."
"Be careful!" said La Hire, in such a terrible voice that the mastiffs growled and bared their teeth.
And instinctively, though he meant nothing, his hand groped at the hilt of his sabre.