Thunderstruck at first, Maurice afterward renewed the attack with an
energy which no one had ever suspected in his character before.

"Do you, then, wish to ruin my life, Monsieur?" he exclaimed; "to ruin
_our_ life; for if I love Marie-Anne, she also loves me."

It was easy to see that he spoke the truth. The unhappy girl, crimson
with happy blushes the moment before, had suddenly become whiter than
marble, as she looked imploringly at her father.

"It cannot be," repeated M. Lacheneur; "and the day will come when you
will bless the decision I make known at this moment."

Alarmed by her son's evident agony, Mme. d'Escorval interposed:

"You must have reasons for this refusal."

"None that I can disclose, Madame. But never while I live shall my
daughter be your son's wife!"

"Ah! it will kill my child!" exclaimed the baroness.

M. Lacheneur shook his head.

"Monsieur Maurice," said he, "is young; he will console himself--he will
forget."

"Never!" interrupted the unhappy lover--"never!"

"And your daughter?" inquired the baroness.