"Well, then, say you met me, and I was not willing to join you."
"Again impossible."
"But why so?"
"Because this time you will not only be considered lukewarm, but a suspect; and you well know the fate of these suspects. They are conducted to the Place de la Révolution, and are there invited to salute the statue of Liberty; only instead of saluting with the hat they substitute the head."
"Well, Lorin, I hardly care how soon this fate may befall me; but without doubt it seems strange to you to hear me say so."
Lorin opened his eyes wide, and looked at Maurice.
"Well," said Maurice, "I am weary of life."
Lorin burst into a roar of laughter.
"Ah! ah!" said he, "we have had a quarrel with our beloved, and that fills us with melancholy ideas. Come, my handsome Amadis! let us return to the man, and from that we shall pass to the citizen. As for me I am never a better patriot than when I am embroiled with Arthémise. Apropos, her Divinity the Goddess Reason charged me with a thousand gracious messages for you."