It might be patriotism in this hour of our country's adversity, it might be humanity, necessity; you know not what in the least, and you permit yourself to reflect on his honour.

To break parole may be a subject for pity and not derision.

I have broken mine--I, a colonel of the Empire.

And why?
I have been years negotiating my exchange, and it cannot be managed; those who have influence at the Ministry of War continually rush in before me, and I have to wait, and my daughter at home is in a decline.

I am going to see my daughter at last, and it is my only concern lest I should have delayed too long.