Seeing that his anger was not turned against me, I grew bold.
"You had better not do that," I mildly observed, across the table.
"And why not, sir ?" he asked, quickly, hesitating whether to get upon his feet or to remain seated.
"Because they are married already," I answered, retreating toward the door.

But there was no need for flight.

He sank back in the chair, and the stick fell from his hands upon the bricks with a loud rattle.

Poor old man! I thought he was quite overcome by the news I had communicated.

He sat staring at the window, his hands lying idly on his knees.