"Yes, madame, I do, indeed; I cannot be mistaken. You mean to suggest that I should espouse the cause of Madame la Princesse."
"She speaks of it herself in this letter," said Madame de Cambes, eagerly.
"I am glad that the idea did not originate with you, and I thank you for the embarrassment with which you broached the subject. Not that my conscience revolts at the thought of following this or that party; no, I have no convictions; indeed, who, save those personally interested, have convictions in this war? When the sword has once left the scabbard, what care I whether the blow comes from one side or another? I do not know the court, nor do I know the princes; with an independent fortune and without ambition, I have no expectations from either party. I am an officer, and that's the end of it."
"In that case you will consent to go with me?"
"No."
"But why not, pray, if things are as you say?"
"Because you would esteem me less."
"Is that the only obstacle?"
"My word for it."