“Come now, you have a profession? A fortune made? How much do you earn at your trade of lawyer?”
“Nothing,” said Marius, with a sort of firmness and resolution that was almost fierce.
“Nothing? Then all that you have to live upon is the twelve hundred livres that I allow you?”
Marius did not reply. M. Gillenormand continued:—
“Then I understand the girl is rich?”
“As rich as I am.”
“What! No dowry?”
“No.”
“Expectations?”
“I think not.”
“Utterly naked! What’s the father?”
“I don’t know.”
“And what’s her name?”
“Mademoiselle Fauchelevent.”
“Fauchewhat?”
“Fauchelevent.”
“Pttt!” ejaculated the old gentleman.
“Sir!” exclaimed Marius.