One thing more, think only of saving the de Simeuse brothers; don't embarrass yourself with that scoundrel of a bailiff--" "A sublime man, monseigneur!" exclaimed Bordin.
"Enthusiasm! in you, Bordin! The man must be remarkable.

Our sovereign has an immense self-love, Monsieur le marquis," he said, changing the conversation.

"He is about to dismiss me that he may commit follies without warning.

The Emperor is a great soldier who can change the laws of time and distance, but he cannot change men; yet he persists in trying to run them in his own mould! Now, remember this; the young men's pardon can be obtained by one person only--Mademoiselle de Cinq-Cygne." The marquis went alone to Troyes and told the whole matter to Laurence.
She obtained permission from the authorities to see Michu, and the marquis accompanied her to the gates of the prison, where he waited for her.

When she came out her face was bathed in tears.
"Poor man!" she said; "he tried to kneel to me, praying that I would not think of him, and forgetting the shackles that were on his feet! Ah, marquis, I _will_ plead his cause.