"Nicole, listen to me," cried Dossonville. "Listen, for what I say is true. Denounce yourself, and you will drag Barabant to his death. Once admit your reasons for killing Javogues, and Barabant dies as your accomplice."
"Oh, oh!"
Recoiling before this immense, inexorable obstacle to her purpose, Nicole fell to her knees, imploring him with her hands:
"No, no, Dossonville, you are telling me that to save me."
"Yes, to save you; but it is true. Decide for yourself, but your confession sends to the guillotine every friend you have!"
"Dossonville! Dossonville! You are plunging a dagger into my heart!"
"Listen, Nicole; I swear to you it is the truth," he said, raising her from the floor to a chair. "Denounce yourself now, nothing can save him. I say no more; decide for yourself."
Leaving her limp with despair, he departed, well satisfied that the leaven would work and that time and reflection would temper her resolve.