"You were wrong; you would have been master now."
"And what happiness should I find in my power when shared as it must be by a woman who does not understand me; who loved me feebly, and prefers a crown?"
"Inconceivable folly!" said the Capuchin, laughing.
"All with her; nothing without her—that was my desire."
"It is from obstinacy and vanity that you persist; it is impossible," replied Joseph. "It is not in nature."
"Thou who wouldst deny the spirit of self-sacrifice," answered Cinq-Mars; "dost thou understand that of my friend?"
"It does not exist; he follows you because—"
Here the Capuchin, slightly embarrassed, reflected an instant.
"Because—because—he has formed you; you are his work; he is attached to you by the self-love of an author. He was accustomed to lecture you; and he felt that he should not find another pupil so docile to listen to and applaud him. Constant habit has persuaded him that his life was bound to yours; it is something of that kind. He will accompany you mechanically. Besides, all is not yet finished; we shall see the end and the examination. He will certainly deny all knowledge of the conspiracy."
"He will not deny it!" exclaimed Cinq-Mars, impetuously.