"So be it," he said, calmly.

"Marie-Anne's fate will be that of all women who have devoted themselves to the political advancement of the man whom they love, be he father, brother, or lover.
She will be slandered, insulted, calumniated.

What does it matter?
She may continue her task.

I consent to it, for I shall never doubt her, and I shall know how to hold my peace.

If we succeed, she shall be my wife; if we fail----" The gesture which concluded the sentence said more strongly than any protestations, that he was ready, resigned to anything.
M.Lacheneur was greatly moved.
"At least give me time for reflection," said he.
"There is no necessity for further reflection, Monsieur." "But you are only a child, Maurice; and your father is my friend." "What of that ?" "Rash boy! do you not understand that by compromising yourself you also compromise Baron d'Escorval?
You think you are risking only your own head; you are endangering your father's life----" But Maurice violently interrupted him.
"There has been too much parleying already!" he exclaimed; "there have been too many remonstrances.