"I tell you, sir, that this will be, and it will be!"
This scene took place in the councillor's library, where many arms of the middle ages were hung up on the wainscot as objects of curiosity.
The lady selected a blunderbuss and a poniard, which she laid on the table; she examined, also, a light Persian shield and a steel coat of mail, and was on the point of investing herself with these defences in order more surely to resist the expected attack of the Marquis; but, deciding that she was sufficiently guarded by the poniard, she again approached her husband.
"This poniard will do for me; this blunderbuss for you. Deborah was armed with nothing but a nail; Judith, with a sword; Dalilah, with scissors. . . . Martha will have a poniard."
"But, Martha, take care! this blunderbuss has been loaded ever since the day I intended to try it. . . . Good heavens! what's the use of all these implements?"
Again a carriage stopped at the gate. Once more, Martha felt a strong emotion of terror, when the servant came to say to her:
"It is a French Marquis who asks for you, madame." . . .
"Good heavens! 'tis he . . . courage!" . . . said she, in a low voice; and added: "when I ring the bell, Claire, you may introduce this stranger."
The servant went out; the conseillère solemnly embraced her husband, and said to him in an agitated voice:
"Now, Flachsinfingen, the moment has come . . . take your blunderbuss; and may God save me!" . . .