"Then you persist?"
"More than ever; the regent must die, and," added he in a hollow voice, "die he shall."
"But do you not first wish to see Mademoiselle de Chaverny?" asked the regent.
"Yes, monseigneur, but first I must have your promise to aid me in my project. Remember, monseigneur; there is not an instant to lose; my companions are condemned, as I was. Tell me at once, before I see Helene, that you will not abandon me. Let me make a new engagement with you—I am a man; I love, and therefore I am weak. I shall have to struggle against her tears and against my own weakness; monseigneur, I will only see Helene under the condition that you will enable me to see the regent."
"And if I refuse that condition?"
"Then, monseigneur, I will not see Helene; I am dead to her; it is useless to renew hope in her which she must lose again, it is enough that she must weep for me once."
"And you would still persist?"
"Yes, but with less chance."
"Then what would you do?"
"Wait for the regent wherever he goes, and strike him whenever I can find him."