A shadow passed over the brow of the young man, and he answered bitterly:
"I was a fool. We should have crushed the monster when we had him."
"There's good in him."
"What! You say it?"
"He wanted to cut my throat," Dossonville replied; "but that's nothing. He is sincere. It is true, from his point of view, there are not three men who should be alive in France to-day; but that is only a prejudice. I am keeping you; where are you bound?"
"To the Convention."
"Always a Girondin?"
"Well," Barabant answered doubtfully, "the Girondins had their chance, and they could not control the Convention."
"I say it's their own fault if they fall," Nicole interjected hastily.
"Nicole, you are right," Dossonville replied. "Moreover, they are about to lose their heads." He drew his finger across his neck. "In a political party, that's a grave failing."