I thought the fatal letters that I had been hiding. Oh! Which would have been thrown forward to face the truth! I had told him to keep his contempt that deserve! But the betrayal is something vile and low. Better to remain silent and suffer. My father had smiled, not knowing the cruelty of Maximus.

‘My dear,’ he said cheerfully, ‘it is a marriage. Do not take that aspect of horror, since nothing will be done against your will. The game is presented, without being exceptionally bright, it is very convenient and offers serious guarantees. A young well-educated, intelligent, of irreproachable conduct … Maximus, who knows what …

I could not restrain an exclamation and looked at Max, who was watching me with provocative expression.

‘Yes,’ continued my father,-Max has agreed to take care of filing for his school friend, Gaston de Givors, and enforce their advantages, which are not despise.

-Consider the benefits, said coldly, addressing Max.

-You have to know first of all whether Gaston Givors not dislike you.

‘I do not know.

-Excuse me, Ellen, but you know, he has come here several times and have spoken to you.

‘Possibly, but I have not noticed it. Many people come here and lord of Givors is lost in the crowd.