He concealed the second purpose from his aunt, who had been quite unaware of his jealousy of the Norman farmer, or of his identification of him with any relation of Virginie's.
But Madame Babette instinctively shrank from giving him any information: she must have felt that, in the lowering mood in which she found him, his desire for greater knowledge of Virginie's antecedents boded her no good.
And yet he made his aunt his confidante--told her what she had only suspected before--that he was deeply enamoured of Mam'selle Cannes, and would gladly marry her.

He spoke to Madame Babette of his father's hoarded riches; and of the share which he, as partner, had in them at the present time; and of the prospect of the succession to the whole, which he had, as only child.

He told his aunt of the provision for her (Madame Babette's) life, which he would make on the day when he married Mam'selle Cannes.

And yet--and yet--Babette saw that in his eye and look which made her more and more reluctant to confide in him.

By-and-by he tried threats.