It would shake all public confidence.

I have no more devoted adherents than the men who hold land which does not belong to them.

As long as they serve me, as your uncle serves me, the land must remain with them.

But what can this young lady require of me?
Show her in, Constant!' An instant later my cousin Sibylle was conducted into the room.
Her face was pale and set, but her large dark eyes were filled with resolution, and she carried herself like a princess.
'Well, mademoiselle, why do you come here?
What is it that you want ?' asked the Emperor in the brusque manner which he adopted to women, even if he were wooing them.
Sibylle glanced round, and as our eyes met for an instant I felt that my presence had renewed her courage.

She looked bravely at the Emperor as she answered him.
'I come, Sire, to implore a favour of you.' 'Your father's daughter has certainly claims upon me, mademoiselle.
What is it that you wish ?' 'I do not ask it in my father's name, but in my own.