human
Yes--yes, Monsieur Albert, it's me. You certainly had good reason to think I would come; for, you see, this thing's got to be settled! And I love my sister, my poor Liline, so dearly! But I hope that you still love her, too?
gpt
Yes, my dear Sans-Cravate; your sister is fascinating--and as gentle and sweet as an angel. I loved her dearly, and I still love her. So I mean her to be happy--that is my most earnest desire.
human
Oh! then it's all right, monsieur! cried the messenger, joyfully;
gpt
When I say that I want to see your sister happy, Sans-Cravate, rejoined Albert, balancing himself in his chair,
human
I mean that, to atone for my thoughtlessness, I propose to assure her comfort, her future. If I made promises, they were mere words, such as all young men say to pretty girls, which do not bind one to anything.
gpt
We have got to a point where we don't agree, but, _sacrédié!_ we must settle on something. Monsieur Albert, didn't you seduce my sister, a simple, innocent maid, who had no idea of love? Will you deny that you abused her innocence, and that you induced her to leave her home and her patroness, only by swearing that you would marry her?
human
Mon Dieu! I won't deny anything! I have told you already that I admit all that. But, once more, every young man takes fifty such oaths; so much the worse for those who believe them!
gpt
Then you don't intend to marry my sister?
human
Marry your sister! he exclaimed.
gpt
Nonsense, Sans-Cravate! Why, you can't think of such a thing! Would such a marriage be well-assorted? Come, be reasonable; you are an excellent fellow--I have no doubt of that; but what would people say if I should make you my brother-in-law? They would say that I'd gone crazy!
human
Take care, monsieur! said Sans-Cravate, struggling to control his anger.
gpt
Don't throw insults in my face. Messenger as I am, I'm a better man than you are at this moment!
human
But, for God's sake, Sans-Cravate, listen to me! Is it possible for a young man to marry all the women he makes love to? Since when have your morals been so severe? Haven't you been in the habit of carrying my love letters for me? haven't you been in the secret of all my intrigues? You knew that I had three or four mistresses at once, and, far from blaming me, you were the first to laugh about it.
gpt
True--you are right, monsieur. I did your dirty work for you. I was wrong--and there was someone who told me so at the time. And yet, that same someone deceived me.
human
I tell you again, Sans-Cravate, that I am sorry I ever spoke to your sister, who was an innocent, virtuous girl. But still we must have mercy on all sinners. Once more, I will settle a handsome allowance on her, and----
gpt
Ten thousand devils! Don't talk about money! You fine gentlemen think you have done everything, when you have undone the strings of your purse. I tell you that marriage, and nothing else, can undo the wrong you have done. Your father felt it, for he gave his consent to the marriage. So you see, monsieur, there's nothing to prevent it.
human
Yes, said Albert, with some irritation,
gpt
I know that you have seen my father and extorted his consent; furthermore, I will not deny that, when I came home last night, after embracing me, he told me of the promise he had given you; but I told him what my intentions were, and swore that nothing would induce me to change them.
human
Nothing! muttered Sans-Cravate;
gpt
Well! will you cast off that innocent creature?
human
I will provide for the child as well as the mother. But I cannot--it is impossible for me to marry Adeline, for such a marriage would cover me with ridicule.
gpt
That is your last word, monsieur?
human
Yes, Sans-Cravate.
gpt
Then this is my last word, he said.
human
I am ready when you are.
gpt
What's this? do you want to fight me, Sans-Cravate?
human
That surprises you, does it? You thought that I would allow myself to be dishonored and say nothing; that I would be satisfied with your excuses? No, no, I must have something more than that. Come, I am waiting for you, monsieur.
gpt
I am sorry, Sans-Cravate, that I cannot give you the satisfaction you ask; but it is out of the question. A young man in my position doesn't fight duels with a messenger!
human
Then a man of your position is content to be a coward and a blackguard. Then he prefers to be struck and beaten and strangled; and that's what I'll do to you, if you refuse to fight me.