Brave his father, and refuse to leave France! From that, even his reckless hardihood shrank, as from inevitable destruction.

But to depart,--be the poor victim and dupe; after having been let loose amongst the riot of pleasure, to return to labour and privation,--from that option his vanity and his senses vindictively revolted.

And Lucretia, the only being who seemed to have a human kindness to him! Through all the vicious egotism of his nature, he had some grateful sentiments for her; and even the egotism assisted that unwonted amiability, for he felt that, Lucretia gone, he had no hold on his father's house, that the home of her successor never would be his.

While thus brooding, he lifted his eyes, and saw Dalibard pass in his carriage towards the Tuileries.
The house, then, was clear; he could see Lucretia alone.

He formed his resolution at once, and turned homewards.