An absurd threat.

Up to this time I have been culpably weak, and it is no use now to act in an opposite direction.

The unhappy boy is infatuated with a degraded woman named Rose, and I have had her locked up; but I have made up my mind to let her out again, and also to pay his debts.

It is weak folly, I allow; but what am I to do?
I am his father after all; and while I cannot respect her, I must love him.

He has almost broken my heart, but it was his to do as he liked with." Andre made no reply, and Gandelu went on.
"I have not deceived myself; my son is ruined.