My hand was actually on the way to the spot where I felt the red box pressing against my side, when he rose from his seat and strode toward me; and a sudden passion surged in his voice.
"Answer me! answer me!" he cried.

"No, I'm not asking about my wife; I don't care a farthing for that empty little parrot.

Answer me, sir, as you value your life! What do you know of Marie Delhasse ?" And he stood before me with uplifted hand, as though he meant to strike me.

I did not move, and we looked keenly into one another's eyes.

He controlled himself by a great effort, but his hands trembled, as he continued: "That old hag who came to-night and dared to show her filthy face here without her daughter--she told me of your talks and walks.