Micheline is your betrothed.

You have our word, and the word of a Desvarennes is as good as the signature .-- It has never been dishonored.

Well, refuse to give us back our promise.
Gain time, make love, and take my daughter away from that dandy." Pierre remained silent for a few minutes.

In a moment he measured the extent of the mischief done, by seeing Micheline before consulting Madame Desvarennes.

With the help of this energetic woman he might have struggled, whereas left to his own strength, he had at the outset been vanquished and forced to lay down his arms.