"We all know that from our birth," said Lisbeth.
"No, there are women who love and yet are selfish, and that is your case."
Cousin Betty's head fell, and her glance would have made any one shiver who had seen it; but her eyes were on her reel of thread.
"If you would introduce your so-called lover to us, Hector might find him employment, or put him in a position to make money."
"That is out of the question," said Cousin Betty.
"And why?"
"He is a sort of Pole—a refugee——"
"A conspirator?" cried Hortense. "What luck for you!—Has he had any adventures?"
"He has fought for Poland. He was a professor in the school where the students began the rebellion; and as he had been placed there by the Grand Duke Constantine, he has no hope of mercy——"
"A professor of what?"