Were you not present when my son
and I met, after the time of the Terror? Did you not hear my
first words to him, when he told me of the catastrophe? Were they
not 'Charles, I love you; but if I thought you had let those two
unfortunates, who risked themselves to save me, die without
risking your life in return to save them, I would break my heart
rather than ever look at you or speak to you again!' Did I not
say that? And did he not answer, 'Mother, my life was risked for
them. I proved my devotion by exposing myself to arrest--I was
imprisoned for my exertions--and then I could do no more!' Did
you not stand by and hear him give that answer, overwhelmed while
he spoke by generous emotion? Do you not know that he really was
imprisoned in the Temple? Do you dare to think that we are to
blame after that? I owe you much, Dubois, but if you are to take
liberties with me--"
"Oh, madame! I beg pardon a thousand times. I was
thoughtless--only thoughtless--"
"Silence! Is my coach at the door? Very well. Get ready to
accompany me. Your master will not have time to return here. He
will meet me, for the signing of the contract, at General
Berthelin's house at two precisely. Stop! Are there many people
in the street? I can't be stared at by the mob as I go to my
carriage."
Dubois hobbled penitently to the window and looked out, while his
mistress walked to the door.
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