“Well, what do you say to that?”
“That it is most ingenious.” And Andre-Louis turned aside to look out of the window.
“And is that all you think of it?”
“I will not tell you what else I think of it because you probably would not understand. For you, M. Danton, there is at least this excuse that you did not know me. But you, Isaac—to bring this gentleman here with such a proposal!”
Le Chapelier was overwhelmed in confusion. “I confess I hesitated,” he apologized. “But M. Danton would not take my word for it that the proposal might not be to your taste.”
“I would not!” Danton broke in, bellowing. He swung upon Le Chapelier, brandishing his great arms. “You told me monsieur was a patriot. Patriotism knows no scruples. You call this mincing dancing-master a patriot?”
“Would you, monsieur, out of patriotism consent to become an assassin?”
“Of course I would. Haven’t I told you so? Haven’t I told you that I would gladly go among them with my club, and crack them like so many—fleas?”
“Why not, then?”
“Why not? Because I should get myself hanged. Haven’t I said so?”