"Leave me, Claire," replied the princess; "be reasonable; remember that we have laid aside the emotions of womankind as well as the garments; we are Monsieur le Prince's lieutenants, and reasons of State control our actions."
"Oh! madame, there are no such things as reasons of State for me," cried Claire; "nor political parties; nor opinions. For me there is nothing and nobody in the world but the man who is to leave it, and when he has left it there will be naught for me but death!"
"Claire, my child, I have already told you that it is impossible; they put Richon to death, and if we do not return like for like we shall be dishonored."
"Ah! madame, one is never dishonored for having pardoned; one is never dishonored for having made use of the prerogative which belongs only to the King of Heaven, and the kings of earth; one word, madame, a single word; the poor boy is waiting!"
"Why, Claire, you are mad! I tell you it is impossible!"
"But I told him that he was safe; I showed him his pardon signed by your own hand; I told him that I would return with your ratification of the pardon!"
"I signed it on condition that the other was to die; why did he allow the other to escape?"
"He had absolutely no part in the escape, I give you my solemn word; besides, the other may not have escaped; he may yet be found."
"Very true! beware!" interposed Barrabas, who arrived at that moment.
"Madame, they will take him away; the time is flying, madame; they will grow weary of waiting."