"Here, at least, I can see her."
"Do you think the heart knows distance? No, not even when those we are parted from have bid us their last farewell. Thirty years ago and over I lost my poor wife, but there are days when I see her as plain as I now see you. Mary's image will remain on your heart, and you will hear her voice thanking you for what you now do."
"Ah! I would rather you talked to me of death."
"Come, Monsieur Michel, make an effort. I'd go on my knees to you if necessary--I who have many a cause of hatred against you; I beg you, I implore you, give peace, as far as it is now possible, to those poor creatures!"
"What do you want me to do?"
"I want you to go. I have said it, and I repeat it."
"Go? Go away? You can't mean it. Why, they fight to-morrow, and to go to-day would be deserting,--it would be dishonor."
"No, I don't want you to dishonor yourself. If you go it shall not be desertion."
"How so?"
"In the absence of a captain of the Clisson division I have been appointed to take his command; you shall come with me."