Would it not enable you to control and hold in check these people, if you could show that you had not been balked ?" "That may be," said the Marquis.

"Go on." "And, if he should produce the Eagle----" "I would save his life, but he would be a discredited man among his comrades, if I know anything about it." "Oh, not that, surely." "Surely; and I may tell you that if I were in his place I would do exactly as he has done." The woman stepped nearer and put her hand to her head.
"Nevertheless, I must see him.

Have mercy!" she entreated piteously.
"Why?
Do you think you can persuade him to produce the Eagle--to his discredit, be it remembered ?" asked the old man, surveying her keenly, realizing at last the extraordinary interest she took in Marteau.
"But it is his life if he does not." "Do you care so much for--his life ?" "Yes," answered the woman, looking the Marquis straight in the eyes.
He recognized a will as inflexible as his own.

It aroused his admiration.

He arose to his feet.