"Not at all, my friend. I made a promise; I must hold to it. I have a great deal of liking for you, and I don't want you to dislike me."
"Oh, sir!"
Suddenly they heard the voice of Monsieur Dalize, who cried, cheerfully,—
"See, they are already quarrelling!"
For some moments Monsieur Dalize, at the door of the vestibule, surrounded by his wife and his children, had been gazing at the two companions. Monsieur Roger and Paul approached.
"What is the matter?" asked Monsieur Dalize, shaking hands with his friend.
"A very strange thing has happened," answered Monsieur Roger.
"And what is that?"
"Simply that Master Paul wants me to speak to him of physical science."
An astonished silence, soon followed by a general laugh, greeted these words. Miss Miette took a step forward, looked at Paul with an uneasy air, and said,—