"Oh, monsieur, stop." "As there has never a d'Aumenier failed to hold the chateau so there has never failed a Marteau to follow him," went on the young man, unheeding her protest.
"I care as little for distinctions of rank as any demoiselle of old France, perhaps, but----" "Mademoiselle is right.

As for myself, I am a republican at heart, although I follow the Emperor.

I, too, care little for the distinctions of rank, for titles, yet I have earned a title in the service of the Emperor.

Through him, even humble men rise high and go far.

Will you----" "Monsieur, you must not go on!" cried the girl, "thrusting out her hand, as if to check him.
"Pardon," said the young Frenchman resolutely.