He rested his two hands upon the back of
his mother's chair and bent forward, as if he were leaning over the edge
of a pulpit or a lecture-desk. He did not smile, but he looked softly
grave. "Excuse me, sir," he said, "I assured you that I would not
influence my sister's decision. I adhered, to the letter, to my
engagement. Did I not, sister?"
"Don't appeal, my son," said the marquise, "your word is sufficient."
"Yes--she accepted me," said Newman. "That is very true, I can't deny
that. At least," he added, in a different tone, turning to Madame de
Cintre, "you DID accept me?"
Something in the tone seemed to move her strongly. She turned away,
burying her face in her hands.
"But you have interfered now, haven't you?" inquired Newman of the
marquis.
"Neither then nor now have I attempted to influence my sister. I used no
persuasion then, I have used no persuasion to-day."
"And what have you used?"
"We have used authority," said Madame de Bellegarde in a rich, bell-like
voice.
"Ah, you have used authority," Newman exclaimed. "They have used
authority," he went on, turning to Madame de Cintre. "What is it? how
did they use it?"
"My mother commanded," said Madame de Cintre.
"Commanded you to give me up--I see. And you obey--I see. But why do you
obey?" asked Newman.
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