And you have sent Lucien to his death! But I know your plans, and my Cousin Louis knows them also, and I can assure you that there is just as much chance of his agreeing to them as there is of my doing so.

I'd rather lie in my grave than be the wife of any man but Lucien.' 'If you had seen the pitiful poltroon that he proved himself you would not say so,' said my uncle coolly.

'You are not yourself at present, but when you return to your right mind you will be ashamed of having made this public exposure of your weakness.

And now, lieutenant, you have something to say.' 'My message was to you, Monsieur de Laval,' said the young hussar, turning his back contemptuously upon my uncle.

'The Emperor has sent me to bring you to him at once at the camp at Boulogne.' My heart leapt at the thought of escaping from my uncle.
'I ask nothing better,' I cried.
'A horse and an escort are waiting at the gates.' 'I am ready to start at this instant.' 'Nay, there can be no such very great hurry,' said my uncle.