"
The Chevalier shrugged his shoulders and made as if to turn away. Yvonne's
greeting of her brother appeared to have quenched the spark of spirit that
for a moment had glimmered in the little man's breast.
"Monsieur," cried Eug?ne, "believe me that what I have to say is of the
utmost consequence, and say it I will--whether before these strangers or in
your private ear shall be as you elect."
The old man glanced about him like one who seeks a way of escape. At
last--"If say it you must," he growled, "say it here and now. And when you
have said it, go."
Eug?ne scowled at me, and from me to Andrea. To pay him for that scowl, I
had it in my mind to stay; but, overcoming the clownish thought, I took
Andrea by the arm.
"Come, Andrea," I said, "we will take a turn outside while these family
matters are in discussion."
I had a shrewd idea what was the substance of Eug?ne's mission to
Canaples--to expostulate with his father touching the proposed marriage of
Yvonne to the Cardinal's nephew.
Nor was I wrong, for when, some moments later, the Chevalier recalled us
from the terrace, where we were strolling--"What think you he has come
hither to tell me?" he inquired as we entered.
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