d'Escorval and Marie-Anne fell upon their knees, imploring the mercy and aid of a just God.
They could only pray.

The cure and Maurice could act.
Abbe Midon's plan, which he explained to young d'Escorval, as the horses dashed along, was as simple as the situation was terrible.
"If, by confessing your own guilt, you could save your father, I should tell you to deliver yourself up, and to confess the whole truth.

Such would be your duty.

But this sacrifice would be not only useless, but dangerous.

Your confession of guilt would only implicate your father still more.