[The Alkahest by Honore de Balzac]@TWC D-Link book
The Alkahest

CHAPTER XII
11/21

I will go away from here.

I cannot see Van Claes sold," he went on, pointing to the martyr's portrait.

"He died for Liberty, I die for Science; he is venerated, I am hated." "Hated?
oh, my father, no," she cried, throwing herself on his breast; "we all adore you.

Do we not, Felicie ?" she said, turning to her sister who came in at the moment.
"What is the matter, dear father ?" said his youngest daughter, taking his hand.
"I have ruined you." "Ah!" cried Felicie, "but our brothers will make our fortune.

Jean is always at the head of his class." "See, father," said Marguerite, leading Balthazar in a coaxing, filial way to the chimney-piece and taking some papers from beneath the clock, "here are your notes of hand; but do not sign any more, there is nothing left to pay them with--" "Then you have money ?" whispered Balthazar in her ear, when he recovered from his surprise.
His words and manner tortured the heroic girl; she saw the delirium of joy and hope in her father's face as he looked about him to discover the gold.
"Father," she said, "I have my own fortune." "Give it to me," he said with a rapacious gesture; "I will return you a hundred-fold." "Yes, I will give it to you," answered Marguerite, looking gravely at Balthazar, who did not know the meaning she put into her words.
"Ah, my dear daughter!" he cried, "you save my life.


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