He was so passionless, so master of himself, and he addressed her in a tone which, whilst it suggested that he accounted himself most fully her equal, made her feel that he was really her better by much.
If one of these two was an aristocrat, surely that one was the Citizen-deputy La Boulaye.
"If you had but the will you would do it, Monsieur," she answered him.
"It is not mine to enlighten you; I know not how." "I have the very best will in the world, Citoyenne," said he.

"Of that I think that I am giving proof." "Aye, the will to do nothing that will shame your manhood," she rejoined.

"That is all you think of.

It was because your manhood bade you that you came to my rescue--so you said when you declined my thanks.
It is this manhood of yours, I make no doubt, that is now prevailing upon you to deliver two unprotected women out of the hands of these brigands." "In Heaven's name, Citoyenne," quoth the astonished Deputy, "out of what sentiment would you have me act, and, indeed, so that I save you, how can it concern you by what sentiment I am prompted ?" She paused a moment before replying.

Her eyes were downcast, and some of the colour faded from her cheeks.