"You know Fangon?" asked Gaston, surprised.
"By reputation; besides, I have read his works. But do you intend to persist in saying nothing?"
"Doubtless."
"You are right. I should tell you, if you regret life so much as you say, to whisper a few words to M. d'Argenson, but he is a talker who would reveal your confession."
"I will not speak, be assured; these are points on which I do not need strengthening."
"I believe it; pardieu! you seem to me like Sardanapalus in your tower. Here I have only M. de Laval, who takes medicine three times a day—it is an amusement he has invented. Well, tastes differ; and perhaps he wants to get accustomed to the water."
"But did you not say I should certainly be condemned?"
"Do you wish to know the whole truth?"
"Yes."
"Well, D'Argenson told me that you were."