With a cry of terror, she looked
where he seemed to be looking; and could see nothing but the
stranger standing in the middle of the drawing-room. Before she
could ask a question--before she could speak even a single
word--her father came to her, caught Danville by the arm, and
pushed her roughly back into the library.
"Go there, and take the women with you," he said, in a quick,
fierce whisper. "Into the library!" he continued, turning to the
ladies, and raising his voice. "Into the library, all of you,
along with my daughter."
The women, terrified by his manner, obeyed him in the greatest
confusion. As they hurried past him into the library, he signed
to the notary to follow; and then closed the door of
communication between the two rooms.
"Stop where you are!" he cried, addressing the old officers, who
had risen from their chairs. "Stay, I insist on it! Whatever
happens, Jacques Berthelin has done nothing to be ashamed of in
the presence of his old friends and companions. You have seen the
beginning, now stay and see the end."
While he spoke, he walked into the middle of the room. He had
never quitted his hold of Danville's arm; step by step they
advanced together to the place where Trudaine was standing.
"You have come into my house, and asked me for my daughter in
marriage--and I have given her to you," said the general,
addressing Danville, quietly.
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