I am no returning prodigal, as I have said.
I am one who, needing nothing, asking nothing, master of his own
destinies, has come to you driven by affection only, urged by the
love and gratitude he bears you and will continue to bear you."
"Ah, yes!" cried Aline, turning now to her uncle. Here at least
was an argument in Andre's favour, thought she. "That is true.
Surely that..."
Inarticulately he hissed her into silence, exasperated.
"Hereafter perhaps that will help you to think of me more kindly,
monsieur.
"I see no occasion, sir, to think of you at all. Again, I beg
that you will go."
Andre-Louis looked at Aline an instant, as if still hesitating.
She answered him by a glance at her furious uncle, a faint shrug,
and a lift of the eyebrows, dejection the while in her countenance.
It was as if she said: "You see his mood. There is nothing to be
done."
He bowed with that singular grace the fencing-room had given him
and went out by the door.
"Oh, it is cruel!" cried Aline, in a stifled voice, her hands
clenched, and she sprang to the window.
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