"A dangerous doctrine, that!"
"As long as he keeps them to himself, and does not disturb the public peace. I have acted successfully on that principle for the last thirty years, and it has carried me comfortably through various changes."
"What are you, monsieur?"
"A philosopher. I take life as it comes. That way happiness lies."
The General laughed. "I think differently. My idea is to make life come as I want it."
"That is a fine idea, too," Urbain said serenely. "Only it does not always seem to be within the limits of the possible."
"Ah, there I agree with the Emperor. He will not have the word 'impossible' in the dictionary."
"The Emperor is a great man," said Urbain, with his inscrutable smile.
It was certainly on Ratoneau's tongue to answer, "So am I!" but he only laughed again and muttered something about strength of will.
The dark, watchful eyes followed his visitor's to the floor, where Monsieur de Sainfoy's letter lay; that letter which seemed to belie his bull-dog boasting. Something he wanted in life had been refused him point-blank; in ceremonious terms, but with uncompromising plainness. The Comte de Sainfoy did not even trouble himself to find reasons for declining the offer of marriage that General Ratoneau had done Mademoiselle de Sainfoy the honour to make.