Adelaide, in fact, wished to save him from serving; Pierre, however, who held the money, turned a deaf ear to her.

His brother's compulsory departure would be a lucky event for him, and greatly assist the accomplishment of his plans.

When his mother mentioned the matter to him, he gave her such a look that she did not venture to pursue it.

His glance plainly signified, "Do you wish, then, to ruin me for the sake of your illegitimate offspring ?" Forthwith she selfishly abandoned Antoine, for before everything else she sought her own peace and quietness.

Pierre, who did not like violent measures, and who rejoiced at being able to eject his brother without a disturbance, then played the part of a man in despair: the year had been a bad one, money was scarce, and to raise any he would be compelled to sell a portion of the land, which would be the beginning of their ruin.
Then he pledged his word of honour to Antoine that he would buy him out the following year, though he meant to do nothing of the kind.