There must be no delay, no chance of hesitation in its accomplishment.

Ah! do not look upon me as if my words were wild and vain; were there other means I would not speak them--but he must be saved!" "And again at the sacrifice of thy safety--perchance thy life! Marie, Marie! what hold has this young stranger upon thee that thou shouldest twice so peril thyself?
Thy life is dearer to me than his--I cannot grant thy boon." "Nay, but thou must.

Listen to me, my second father! If Stanley dies, his blood is on my head!" And struggling with strong emotion, she poured forth her whole tale.
"And thou lovest him still--him, a Nazarene--thou, child, wife, of an unstained race! And is it for this, thy zeal to save him ?" ejaculated Julien, retreating several paces from her--"Can it be ?" "I would save him because he is innocent--because he has borne more than enough for me; for aught else, thou wrongest me, father.

He will never be to me more than he is now." It was impossible to resist the tone of mournful reproach in which those simple words were said.

Julien pressed her to his bosom, bade God bless her, and promised, if indeed there were no other means, her plan should be adopted; objection after objection, indeed, he brought forward, but all were overruled.