M. Lacheneur was greatly moved.

"At least give me time for reflection," said he.

"There is no necessity for further reflection, Monsieur."

"But you are only a child, Maurice; and your father is my friend."

"What of that?"

"Rash boy! do you not understand that by compromising yourself you also
compromise Baron d'Escorval? You think you are risking only your own
head; you are endangering your father's life----"

But Maurice violently interrupted him.

"There has been too much parleying already!" he exclaimed; "there have
been too many remonstrances. Answer me in a word! Only understand this:
if you reject me, I will return to my father's house, and with this gun
which I hold in my hand I will blow out my brains."

This was no idle threat. It was evident that what he said, that would he
do. His listeners were so convinced of this, that Marie-Anne turned to
her father with clasped hands and a look of entreaty.

"You are one of us, then," said M. Lacheneur, sternly; "but do not
forget that you forced me to consent by threats; and whatever may happen
to you or yours, remember that you would have it so."

But these gloomy words produced no impression upon Maurice; he was wild