I shook him off, therefore, hoping by a frown to silence him.
He was not to be so easily put down, however, and perforce I had to speak to him.
'Afterwards, afterwards,' I said hurriedly.

'I am engaged now.
'For God's sake, don't, sir!' the poor fool cried, clinging to my sleeve.

'Don't do it! You will bring a curse on the house.

He is but a lad, and--' 'You, too!' I exclaimed, losing patience.

'Be silent, you scum! What do you know about gentlemen's quarrels?
Leave me; do you hear ?' 'But the Cardinal!' he cried in a quavering voice.