Besides which she had great expectations." The discussion upon this subject would have been interminable, had Albert taken an active share in it; but his thoughts were far away.

He answered from time to time so as not to appear absolutely dumb, and then only a few syllables.

This absence of opposition was more irritating to the count than the most obstinate contradiction.

He therefore directed his utmost efforts to excite his son to argue.
However he was vainly prodigal of words, and unsparing in unpleasant allusions, so that at last he fairly lost his temper, and, on receiving a laconic reply, he burst forth: "Upon my word, the butler's son would say the same as you! What blood have you in your veins?
You are more like one of the people than a Viscount de Commarin!" There are certain conditions of mind in which the least conversation jars upon the nerves.

During the last hour, Albert had suffered an intolerable punishment.