My uncle, I implore your pity: pardon me so far; do not send me for life into a debtors' jail--a pauper debtor.' '_Chat et vieux_, _pardonnez_ ?' said my uncle, quoting from La Fontaine; and then, opening a pale-blue eye full on Alain, he delivered with some emphasis: 'La jeunesse se flatte et croit tout obtenir; La vieillesse est impitoyable.' The blood leaped darkly into Alain's face.

He turned to Romaine and me, and his eyes flashed.
'It is your turn now,' he said.

'At least it shall be prison for prison with the two viscounts.' 'Not so, Mr.Alain, by your leave,' said Romaine.

'There are a few formalities to be considered first.' But Alain was already striding towards the door.
'Stop a moment, stop a moment!' cried Romaine.

'Remember your own counsel not to despise an adversary.' Alain turned.
'If I do not despise I hate you!' he cried, giving a loose to his passion.