"Anything but this! Ruined, ruined—what ruin and disgrace!"
"Not so, my boy; there is no disgrace in being less wellborn—it is only that one possesses a few privileges the less."
"How am I to leave, sir? Shall I not have permission to seek my proofs in Canada and return?"
"If you can obtain the proofs you shall have your place again."
"Grant me but a few days to arrange my affairs."
"In your own interest let me advise you not to make it more than twenty-four hours."
"Twenty-four hours?"
"Twenty-four."
"Twenty-four hours!" repeated Lecour, dazed. "Can I have the privilege, then, at least, of wearing the uniform until I leave France?"
"That cannot be."