This redoubled his curiosity.
"My dear girl," said the commander, "since I saw you last I have come into a fortune of one hundred thousand livres, neither more nor less.
One of my dear aunts took it into her head to depart this life, and her temper being crotchety and spiteful she made me her sole heir, in order to enrage those of her relatives who had nursed her in her illness.

One hundred thousand livres! It's a round sum--enough to cut a great figure with for two years.

If you like, we shall squander it together, capital and interest.

Why do you not speak?
Has anyone else robbed me by any chance of your heart?
If that were so, I should be in despair, upon my word-for the sake of the fortunate individual who had won your favour; for I will brook no rivals, I give you fair warning." "Monsieur le commandeur," answered Angelique, "you forget, in speaking to me in that manner, I have never given you any right to control my actions." "Have we severed our connection ?" At this singular question Angelique started, but de Jars continued-- "When last we parted we were on the best of terms, were we not?
I know that some months have elapsed since then, but I have explained to you the reason of my absence.

Before filling up the blank left by the departed we must give ourselves space to mourn.