"What is yours?"
"Well, I regret not to be able, while showing myself worthy of the trust my comrades have laid upon me, I certainly do regret not being able to shed my blood on your behalf, as they are doing, no doubt, at this very moment."
Petit-Pierre sighed heavily.
"I have no doubt," she said, "that our friends are even now regretting your absence. Your experience and tried courage would certainly be of the utmost help to them."
The marquis swelled with pride.
"Yes, yes," he said; "I know they'll repent of it."
"I am sure of it. My dear marquis, will you let me tell you, with my hand on my conscience, the whole truth as I see it?"
"Oh, yes; I entreat you."
"Well, I think they distrusted you as much as they did me."
"Impossible!"