"Will they ask my consent? I have refused it once already," said Hervé de Sainfoy.
He walked a few steps, and turned back; he was much calmer now, and his face was full of grave thought and resolution.
"Angelot," he said, "you are your father's son, as well as your uncle's nephew. Tell me, have you actually done anything to bring you under imperial justice?"
"Nothing," Angelot answered. "The police may pretend to think so. Uncle Joseph says I am in danger. But I have done nothing."
"Did you say you were leaving the country to-morrow? Alone?"
"With some of Uncle Joseph's friends."
"Ah! And your father?"
"I shall come back some day. Life is too difficult," said Angelot.
"You want an anchor," Hervé said, thoughtfully. "Now—will you do everything I tell you?"
"In honour."