What would you?
Is there not a comforting word due to the conscience of the soldier who has killed a fellow-being in the interest of his country?
Don't you suppose his heart aches when he looks upon the death-struggles of the man he has killed without having a personal grudge against him?
We are all soldiers of the state.

When we assault an enemy, we do not inquire if we hurt him; we kill him! and the safety of our fatherland hallows the deed." "But that which we are doing is immoral," interposed the countess.
"And that which our enemy is doing is not immoral, I presume?
Are not their beautiful women, their polished courtiers, acting as spies in our salons?
We are only using their own weapons against them." "That may be; but it was a repulsive thought that prompted the using of children as instruments in this deadly game." "Were not they the first to set us an example?
Was not it a repulsive thought which prompted them to hold over the heads of an entire people that hellish machine of torture in the shape of a smiling child?
No, madame; we need not be ashamed of what we are doing.

Our men are engaged in warfare against their men; our lovely women are engaged in warfare against their lovely women; and our little children are engaged in warfare against their little children.

Your little Amelie is a historical figure, and deserves a monument." The marquis, perceiving that his sophistry was not without its effect on the lovely woman, continued: "And then, madame, if you are weary of the role you and your little daughter are playing with such success, the opportunity is now offered to you to quit your present mode of life.

Your financial affairs are utterly ruined; you are only the nominal possessor of the estate you inherited from your ancestors.