These rash youths were determined to do exactly the contrary of what the Marquis de Chargeboeuf had advised.

Robert, who shared these hopes, was thinking of them when he gave utterance to the fatal words.
"Not a word of this, old friend," said Michu to Beauvisage, waiting behind the others to lock the gate.
It was one of those fine mornings in March when the air is dry, the earth pure, the sky clear, and the atmosphere a contradiction to the leafless trees; the season was so mild that the eye caught glimpses here and there of verdure.
"We are seeking treasure when all the while you are the real treasure of our house, cousin," said the elder Simeuse, gaily.
Laurence was in front, with a cousin on each side of her.

The d'Hauteserres were behind, followed by Michu.

Gothard had gone forward to clear the way.
"Now that our fortune is restored, you must marry my brother," said the younger in a low voice.

"He adores you; together you will be as rich as nobles ought to be in these days." "No, give the whole fortune to him and I will marry you," said Laurence; "I am rich enough for two." "So be it," cried the Marquis; "I will leave you, and find a wife worthy to be your sister." "So you really love me less than I thought you did ?" said Laurence looking at him with a sort of jealousy.
"No; I love you better than either of you love me," replied the marquis.
"And therefore you would sacrifice yourself ?" asked Laurence with a glance full of momentary preference.
The marquis was silent.
"Well, then, I shall think only of you, and that will be intolerable to my husband," exclaimed Laurence, impatient at his silence.
"How could I live without you ?" said the younger twin to his brother.
"But, after all, you can't marry us both," said the marquis, replying to Laurence; "and the time has come," he continued, in the brusque tone of a man who is struck to the heart, "to make your decision." He urged his horse in advance so that the d'Hauteserres might not overhear them.