If he did this thing he must seek refuge in flight; he must leave France, abandon the career which was so full of promise for him, and wander abroad, a penniless fortune-hunter.

Well might the prospect give him pause.

Well might it cause him to survey that pale, sardonic countenance that eyed him gloomily from the mirror above his mantel shelf, and ask it mockingly if it thought that Suzanne de Bellecour--or indeed, any woman living--were worthy of so great a sacrifice.
What had she done for him that he should cast away everything for her sake?
Once she had told him that she loved him, only to betray him.
Was that a woman for whom a man should wanton his fortunes?
And then he smiled derisively, mocking his reflections in the mirror even as he mocked himself.
"Poor fool," he muttered, "it is not for the sake of what you are to her.

Were it for that alone, you would not stir a finger to gratify her wishes.

It is for the sake of what she is to you, Caron." He turned from the mirror, his resolve now firm, and going to the door he called his official.