"Oh, sir, that is a great crime you speak of!"
"Alas!" continued the marquis, as if speaking to himself in a fit of intense grief; "I had rather lose a dear child, the pledge of our love, than bring into the world an unhappy creature which might possibly cause its mother's death."
"I pray you, sir, let no more be said on the subject; it is a horrible crime even to think of such a thing."
"But what is to be done? Is it better to destroy two persons and perhaps kill a whole family with despair? Oh, madame, I entreat you, extricate us from this extremity!"
The marquis buried his face in his hands, and sobbed as though he were weeping copiously.
"Your despair grievously affects me," said the matron; "but consider that for a woman of my calling it is a capital offence."
"What are you talking about? Do not our mystery, our safety, and our credit come in first?
"They can never get at you till after the death and dishonour of all that is dear to me in the world."
"I might then, perhaps. But in this case you must insure me against legal complications, fines, and procure me a safe exit from the kingdom."
"Ah! that is my affair. Take my whole fortune! Take my life!"