The interposition of a youth has thwarted the schemes of the enemies of France.

Had you been but ten seconds later I should have ceased to be, and one of the humble instruments by which fate is working for the regeneration of the people would have perished." While Robespierre was speaking Harry had rapidly thought over the role which it would be best for him to adopt.

Should he avow his real character and ask for an order for the liberation of Marie as a recompense for the service he had rendered Robespierre, or should he retain his present character and obtain Robespierre's confidence?
There was danger in an open appeal, for, above all things, Robespierre prided himself upon his incorruptibility, and he might consider that to free a prisoner for service rendered to himself would be a breach of his duty to France.

He resolved, therefore, to keep silence at present, reserving an appeal to Robespierre's gratitude for the last extremity.
"Pardon me, monsieur," he said, after he had rapidly arrived at this conclusion; "my emotion was naturally great at finding that I had unwittingly been the means of saving the life of one on whom the eyes of France are fixed.

I rejoice indeed that I should have been the means of preserving such a life." This statement was strictly true, although not perhaps in the sense in which Robespierre regarded it.
"We will talk more after supper," he said.