The Baron was again silent for a few moments. Then he said:
“Valentin has, it seems, made quite a sensational success in the Affaire of the Rue du Trône. There is a long account in to-night’s papers. Berton, the Minister of Justice, was speaking of it.”
“But surely you will not allow your daughter to marry a penniless lawyer?” protested the financier. “Think what you and I could do, if only we amalgamated upon fair and equivalent business lines. As you well know, I am extremely fond of Aimée.”
“You have spoken to her, she tells me.”
“I have. But, unfortunately, she treats me with a calm and utter indifference.”
“Perhaps she will, eventually, grow tired of Edmond Valentin’s attentions,” her father suggested.
“Never,” growled Rigaux. “I believe she loves the fellow. But if you were only firm, my dear friend, she would, in the end, consent to marry me.”
“I am firm.”
“Yet you allow them to meet daily!”
“How can I prevent it?”