"And if her family had given her such a choice--which is false, by the bye--what could you do? Is it likely that they would change their minds and give her to you, as your uncle Joseph suggested? And would you expect to gain their favour by this sort of thing?" He pointed to the window. "No, young man; if you were not your father's son, my grooms might whip you out of Lancilly, and I should feel justified in giving the order." Angelot broke into a short laugh. "A pistol-shot is not an insult," he said. "But you are angry." "And you are Urbain's son," the Comte said. There was a world of reproach in the words, but little violent anger. The two men stood and looked at each other; and it was not the least strange part of the position that they were still, as they had been all along, mutually attracted. Both natures were open, sweet-tempered, and generous. A certain grace and charm about Hervé de Sainfoy drew Angelot, as it had drawn his father. The touch of romance in Angelot, his beauty, his bold, defiant air, took Hervé's fancy. "You climb like a monkey or a sailor," he said. "But you tried another exit, did you not? Was it you who was hammering at the door down there?" "Yes, monsieur." "Tell me all." The questions were severe, but Angelot answered them frankly and truly, as far as he could do so and take the whole blame upon himself. "It was I," he said; "I did the whole wrong, if it was wrong. Do not let madame her mother be angry with her. But for God's sake do not make her marry Ratoneau. She is timid, she is delicate--ah, monsieur--and we are cousins, after all--" There was a break in his voice, and the Comte almost smiled. "You are a pair of very absurd and troublesome children," he said, much more kindly. "But you are old enough to know better; it is ignorance of the world to think that lives can be arranged to suit private inclinations. I could not give you my daughter, even if I wished it; you ought to see, as your father would, that you are not in a position to expect such a wife. You are not even on my side in politics, though you very well might be. If you were in the army, with even the prospect of distinguishing yourself like General Ratoneau--and why not even now--" It was a tremendous temptation, but only for a moment. Angelot thought of his mother and of his uncle Joseph. "I cannot go into the army," he said quickly. "No--you are a Chouan at heart, I know," said Hervé. He added presently, as the young man stood silent and doubtful before him--"You will give me your word of honour, Angelot, that there is no more of this--that you do not attempt to see my daughter again." Angelot answered him, after a moment's pause, "I warn you that I shall break my word, if I hear more of Ratoneau." "The devil take Ratoneau!" replied his cousin. "You will give me your word, and I will give you mine. I will never consent to such a marriage as that for Hélène. Are you satisfied now?" "You give me life and hope," said Angelot.