Robespierre had never yet been offended with her.

Though he had given her counsel on almost every subject, he had never yet spoken to her one word of disapprobation still she knew that he had inspired her with fear.

She made some attempts to begin the subject, which he did not notice, for he was still brooding over the unpleasant sensation which her words had occasioned; but at last she gathered courage, and said: "The soldiers of the Republic have at last overcome the rebels of La Vendee--have they not, M.Robespierre ?" "It is not enough to conquer traitors," answered he, "they must be crushed, before the country can be safe from their treachery." "Their treason must be crushed, I know." "Crimes between man and man can be atoned for by minor punishments: crimes between citizens and their country can only be properly avenged by death.

You may teach the murderer or the thief the iniquity of his fault; and when he has learnt to hate the deed he has committed, he may be pardoned.

It is not so with traitors.