'You had better leave that to God,' he answered, mockingly; 'he
understands more about it than you do.'
'Oh, I know you of old,' said Meddlechip, walking up and down
excitedly; 'I know you of old, with your sneers and your coolness,
but it won't do here,' stopping opposite the sofa, and glaring down
at Vandeloup; 'it won't do here!'
'So you've said twice,' replied M. Vandeloup, with a yawn. 'How do
you want me to conduct myself? Do tell me; I am always open to
improvement.'
'You must leave Australia,' said Meddlechip, sharply, and breathing
hard.
'If I refuse?' asked M. Vandeloup, lazily, smiling to himself.
'I will denounce you as a convict escaped from New Caledonia!'
hissed the other, putting his hands in his pockets, and bending
forward.
'Indeed,' said Gaston, with a charming smile, 'I don't think you
will go so far as that, my friend.'
'I swear,' said Meddlechip, loudly, raising his hand, 'I swear--'
'Oh, fie!' observed M. Vandeloup, in a shocked tone; 'an old man
like you should not swear; it's very wrong, I assure you; besides,'
with a disparaging glance, 'you are not suited to melodrama.'
Meddlechip evidently saw it was no good trying to fight against the
consummate coolness of this young man, so with a great effort
resolved to adapt himself to the exigencies of the case, and fight
his adversary with his own weapons.
Pages:
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260