giant who could not maintain himself?"

"But what can I do?" said the young man, addressing the two friends
whom chance had sent to him. "I have not a relation in the world.
Labedoyere was my protector and my friend; without him, I am alone.
To-morrow I myself may be condemned; my only fortune was my pay. I
spent my last penny to come here and try to snatch Labedoyere from his
fate; death is, therefore, a necessity for me. When a man decides to
die he ought to know how to sell his life to the executioner. I was
thinking just now that the life of an honest man is worth that of two
traitors, and the blow of a dagger well placed may give immortality."

This spasm of despair alarmed the painter, and even Ginevra, whose own
nature comprehended that of the young man. She admired his handsome
face and his delightful voice, the sweetness of which was scarcely
lessened by its tones of fury. Then, all of a sudden, she poured a
balm upon the wounds of the unfortunate man:--

"Monsieur," she said, "as for your pecuniary distress, permit me to
offer you my savings. My father is rich; I am his only child; he loves
me, and I am sure he will never blame me. Have no scruple in accepting
my offer; our property is derived from the Emperor; we do not own a
penny that is not the result of his munificence. Is it not gratitude
to him to assist his faithful soldiers? Take the sums you need as
indifferently as I offer them. It is only money!" she added, in a tone
of contempt. "Now, as for friends,--those you shall have."

She raised her head proudly, and her eyes shone with dazzling
brilliancy.