We will speak no more about it.

What were _your_ calculations, Monsieur De Vlierbeck?
I think I am just beginning to see a little clearly into this matter! You imagined, I suppose, that you would make a good business out of it and sell your merchandise as high as possible!" "Sir," exclaimed De Vlierbeck, bounding from his chair in rage, "speak respectfully of my daughter! Poor or rich, do not dare to forget who she is!" "Don't get angry! don't get angry! Monsieur De Vlierbeck.

I have no desire to insult you.

Far from it.

Had your enterprise succeeded I would probably have admired you; but _finesse_ against _finesse_ always makes a bad game! Permit me to ask, since you are so touchy on the point of honor, if you have acted a very honorable part in courting my nephew and allowing his passion to absorb him ?" De Vlierbeck bowed his head to conceal the blush that suffused his aged cheeks; nor did he awake from his painful stupor till the merchant recalled him by the single word,-- "Well ?" "Ah!" stammered De Vlierbeck, "have mercy on me! Love for my child, probably, led me astray.