CHAPTER XX

Ah! ambition is a fine thing!

The Duc de Sairmeuse and the Marquis de Courtornieu were past middle
age; their lives had been marked by many storms and vicissitudes; they
were the possessors of millions, and the owners of the most sumptuous
residences in the province. Under these circumstances one might
have supposed that they would desire to end their days in peace and
quietness.

It would have been easy for them to create a life of happiness by doing
good to those around them, and by preparing for their last hours a
chorus of benedictions and of regrets.

But no. They longed to have a hand in managing the ship of state; they
were not content to be simply passengers.

And the duke, appointed to the command of the military forces, and the
marquis, made presiding judge of the court at Montaignac, were both
obliged to leave their beautiful homes and take up their abode in rather
dingy quarters in town.

They did not murmur at the change; their vanity was satisfied.

Louis XVIII. was on the throne; their prejudices were triumphant; they
were happy.

It is true that dissatisfaction was rife on every side, but had they not
hundreds and thousands of allies at hand to suppress it?