"Go to Amiens," said the other. "You have learning, you have
eloquence, you have a presence and an excellent address. For
success no better attributes could be yours." He approached the
secretary, and instinctively lowered his voice. "We have a little
club there - a sort of succursal to the Jacobins. We are numerous,
but we have no very shining member yet. Come with me, and I will
nominate you. Beginning thus, I promise you that you shall presently
become a man of prominence in Picardy. Anon we may send you to Paris
to represent us in the States-General. Then, when the change comes,
who shall say to what heights it may not be yours to leap?"

"I will think of it," answered La Boulaye cordially, "and not a
doubt of it but that I will come. I did not know that you had gone
so far - "

"Sh! You know now. Let that suffice. It is not good to talk of
these things just yet."

"But in the meantime," La Boulaye persisted, "what of this?" And
again he pointed to his cheek.

"Why, let it heal, boy."

"I promised the Marquis that I would demand satisfaction of his son,
and I am tempted to do so and risk the consequences."

"I am afraid the consequences will be the only satisfaction that you
will get. In fact, they will be anticipations rather than
consequences, for they'll never let you near the boy."