"Well, then, let us speak frankly. Why should you pay any attention to the silly prattling of idle neighbors? Have you not your own clear conscience, Maurice; and Geneviève, has she not her sense of honor?"
"I am younger than you," said Maurice, who began to be astonished at this pertinacity, "and perhaps view things with more susceptibility. This is why I declare that on the reputation of such a woman as Geneviève a shadow even should not be permitted to be cast. Permit me, therefore, my dear Dixmer, to adhere to my former resolution."
"And now," said Dixmer, "since we are in order for confession, tell me one thing more."
"What!" said Maurice, coloring, "what more do you wish me to avow?"
"That it is neither politics, nor the report of your assiduity at my house, that induces you to leave us."
"What is it, then?"
"The secret you have discovered."
"What secret?" demanded Maurice, with so naïve an expression of curiosity, as completely to reassure the tanner.
"The secret of the smuggling affair, which you discovered the same evening when our acquaintance commenced in so strange a manner. You have never forgiven me this fraud, and accuse me of being a bad Republican because I employ English products in my manufactory."