"Ah, you should have killed him. I said so."
"Yes, perhaps. The charge is clearly made on paper, attested by witnesses. He is said to be dying."
"Thank God."
"I have only my word." He told quietly of the weakness of his position, of the political aspect of the affair, of his interview and his resignation.
"Did you ask Mr. Randolph to apologize, René?"
"Oh, mother, one cannot do that with a cabinet minister."
"Why not? And is this all? You resign a little clerkship. I am surprised that it troubles you."
"Mother, it is ruin."
"Nonsense! What is there to make you talk of ruin?"