"There is no chariot so strong that it is not at the mercy of a grain of sand. I assure you, sir, that the danger is real. A Republican party——"
Fongereues shrugged his shoulders.
"A Republican party," repeated Cyprien, emphasizing the word, "is covering the country with its net. In a few months—in a few weeks, perhaps—a movement will burst out simultaneously all over France, and it may come to pass that the throne will fall quicker than we think. Royalty is unpopular in these days. Strength is the only sustaining force. And is the throne strong enough to resist a general uprising? I doubt it. And I, poor servant that I am, can arrest this movement, even now! I can betray the chiefs of this association. But I am an insignificant person. No matter how great the services may be that I render, a bone or two will be thrown to me to gnaw, and that will be deemed sufficient. But let the Marquis de Fongereues, peer of France, denounce at the Tuileries the formidable association that threatens the throne and the altar—let him present himself in the cabinet of the king with his hands full of proofs—let him show the documents and the lists of the conspirators, and the Marquis de Fongereues will become master of France. He may exact any recompense he pleases for saving the throne and the altar!"
The Marquis rose hastily. His eyes flashed.
"And you say that this formidable secret is yours Cyprien?"
"I hold the threads of the plot in my hand!"
"And yet, you are ready to abandon the benefits which would assuredly be yours should you decide to make the revelation?"
"I am, first of all, your servant, sir!"
"Throw your cards on the table, Cyprien! What do you want me to do in exchange for this great service?"
"I impose no condition. I have faith in the generosity of my master."