Felicite was indeed right; his family took a pleasure in compromising him.

One of his nephews had now killed a gendarme! He would never get the post of receiver of taxes, if he did not prevent this foolish madman from rejoining the insurgents.

So he planted himself in front of the door, determined to prevent Silvere from going out.
"Listen," he said to the young fellow, who was greatly surprised to find him there.

"I am the head of the family, and I forbid you to leave this house.

You're risking both your honour and ours.