He must be handled skillfully, lest their flight should be frustrated at the last moment.

He prayed, too, that there might be no need for his intervention.

That would indeed be the end of all--a shipwreck within sight of harbour.

He promised himself that he would not lightly intervene.

For the rest this news of Marius's intended departure filled him with a desire to know something of the journey on which he was bound: Slowly mademoiselle's door opened.