“What do you say, sir?” growled the general, taking a step towards him.

“I say that I have but to open my mouth, and you⁠—”

Gania began, but did not finish. The two⁠—father and son⁠—stood before one another, both unspeakably agitated, especially Gania.

“Gania, Gania, reflect!” cried his mother, hurriedly.

“It’s all nonsense on both sides,” snapped out Varia. “Let them alone, mother.”

“It’s only for mother’s sake that I spare him,” said Gania, tragically.

“Speak!” said the general, beside himself with rage and excitement; “speak⁠—under the penalty of a father’s curse!”