“What do you want? Our lands, our castle? Take all; withdraw the charge; leave us nothing but life and honor. And over and besides all this, I will be your servant; command and I will obey.”
Du Croisier sat down in an easy-chair and left the old man to kneel.
“You are not vindictive,” pleaded Chesnel; “you are good-hearted, you do not bear us such a grudge that you will not listen to terms. Before daylight the young man ought to be at liberty.”
“The whole town knows that he has been arrested,” returned du Croisier, enjoying his revenge.
“It is a great misfortune, but as there will be neither proofs nor trial, we can easily manage that.”
Du Croisier reflected. He seemed to be struggling with self-interest; Chesnel thought that he had gained a hold on his enemy through the great motive of human action. At that supreme moment Mme. du Croisier appeared.
“Come here and help me to soften your dear husband, madame?” said Chesnel, still on his knees. Mme. du Croisier made him rise with every sign of profound astonishment. Chesnel explained his errand; and when she knew it, the generous daughter of the intendants of the Ducs de Alencon turned to du Croisier with tears in her eyes.
“Ah! monsieur, can you hesitate? The d’Esgrignons, the honor of the province!” she said.
“There is more in it than that,” exclaimed du Croisier, rising to begin his restless walk again.
“More? What more?” asked Chesnel in amazement.