“That is absurd. Nothing can be more ridiculous. But, after all, it is
your business, my dear Daniel. And, if you want any additional motive,
I will tell you that my daughter is very rich. She has a quarter of a
million of her own.”
“Sir!” exclaimed Daniel indignantly.
But Count Ville-Handry had already turned upon his heels; and the butler
came to announce that dinner was on the table.
The meal, though excellent in itself, was necessarily very dull and
sad. It was promptly despatched; for the count seemed to be sitting on
needles, and every minute looked at his watch.
They had but just handed the coffee around, when he turned to Daniel,
saying,--
“Let us make haste. Miss Brandon expects us.”
Daniel was instantly ready. But the count did not even give him time to
take leave of Henrietta; he carried him off to his carriage, pushed him
in, jumped in after him, and called out to the servant,--“Circus Street!
Miss Brandon! Drive fast!”