But Francoise started up, terrified, stammering:
“In pity, monsieur, do no harm to my father! Kill me in his stead! I aided Dominique to fly! I alone am guilty!”
“Hush, my child!” cried Père Merlier. “Why do you tell an untruth? She passed the night locked in her chamber, monsieur. She tells a falsehood, I assure you!”
“No, I do not tell a falsehood!” resumed the young girl ardently. “I climbed out of my window and went down the iron ladder; I urged Dominique to fly. This is the truth, the whole truth!”
The old man became very pale. He saw clearly in her eyes that she did not lie, and her story terrified him. Ah, these children with their hearts, how they spoil everything! Then he grew angry and exclaimed:
“She is mad; do not heed her. She tells you stupid tales. Come, finish your work!”
She still protested. She knelt, clasping her hands. The officer tranquilly watched this dolorous struggle.
“MON DIEU!” he said at last. “I take your father because I have not the other. Find the fugitive and the old man shall be set at liberty!”
She gazed at him with staring eyes, astonished at the atrocity of the proposition.
“How horrible!” she murmured. “Where do you think I can find Dominique at this hour? He has departed; I know no more about him.”