But a pretty woman makes her appearance on the scene.

You go wild like a school-boy and are ready to commit any act of folly.

It is you who I am addressing, Marquis.

Do you hear me?
Speak! what have you to say ?" Martial had listened to this tirade with unconcealed scorn, and without even attempting to interrupt it.
Now he responded, slowly: "I think, sir, if Mademoiselle Lacheneur _had_ any doubts of the value of the document she possesses, she has them no longer." This response fell upon the duke's wrath like a bucket of ice-water.

He instantly comprehended his folly; and frightened by his own words, he stood stupefied with astonishment.
Without deigning to add another word, the marquis turned to Marie-Anne.
"Will you be so kind as to explain what is required of my father in exchange for this letter ?" "The life and liberty of Monsieur d'Escorval." The duke started as if he had received an electric shock.
"Ah!" he exclaimed.