"The judges will not accord me the justice I desire. I shall not apply
to them."

"But----"

"No, Monsieur, no. I wish to have nothing to do with these men. I
shall not even go to the chateau to remove my clothing nor that of my
daughter. If they send it to us--very well. If it pleases them to keep
it, so much the better. The more shameful, infamous and odious their
conduct appears, the better I shall be satisfied."

The baron made no reply; but his wife spoke, believing she had a sure
means of conquering this incomprehensible obstinacy.

"I should understand your determination if you were alone in the world,"
said she, "but you have children."

"My son is eighteen, Madame; he possesses good health and an excellent
education. He can make his own way in Paris, if he chooses to remain
there."

"But your daughter?"

"Marie-Anne will remain with me."

M. d'Escorval thought it his duty to interfere.

"Take care, my dear friend, that your grief does not overthrow your
reason," said he. "Reflect! What will become of you--your daughter and