Just now I want you to take orders, not give them." "That is only just," said Perrin, "and I recall my hasty remark: excuse the susceptibility of a professional man, who is honored with the esteem of his clients; and favor me with your wishes." "All right," said Raynal heartily.

"Well, then--I want mademoiselle and her family to stay here while I go to Egypt with the First Consul.
Mademoiselle makes difficulties; it offends her delicacy." "Comedy!" said the notary contemptuously.
"Though her mother's life depends on her staying here." "Comedy!" said Perrin.

Raynal frowned.
"Her pride (begging her pardon) is greater than her affection." "Farce!" "I have pitched upon you to reconcile the two." "Then you have pitched upon the wrong man," said Perrin bluntly.

He added obsequiously, "I am too much your friend.

She has been talking you over, no doubt; but you have a friend, an Ulysses, who is deaf to the siren's voice.