'It must be the daughter of old Bernac of Grosbois.

By the way, Monsieur de Laval, he is your uncle upon your mother's side, is he not ?' I may have flushed with shame as I acknowledged it, for the Emperor read my feelings.
'Well, well, he has not a very savoury trade, it is true, and yet I can assure you that it is one which is very necessary to me.

By the way, this uncle of yours, as I understand, holds the estates which should have descended to you, does he not ?' 'Yes, Sire.' His blue eyes flashed suspicion at me.
'I trust that you are not joining my service merely in the hope of having them restored to you.' 'No, Sire.

It is my ambition to make a career for myself.' 'It is a prouder thing,' said the Emperor, 'to found a family than merely to perpetuate one.

I could not restore your estates, Monsieur de Laval, for things have come to such a pitch in France that if one once begins restorations the affair is endless.