I ask only one favor, that of fighting, of triumphing, or
of dying by your side."
"Oh! refuse, father!" exclaimed Marie-Anne; "refuse. To accept this
offer would be a crime!"
"A crime! And why, if you please?"
"Because our cause is not your cause; because its success is doubtful;
because dangers surround us on every side."
A scornful exclamation from Maurice interrupted her.
"And it is you who think to dissuade me by pointing out the dangers that
threaten you, the dangers that you are braving----"
"Maurice!"
"So if imminent peril menaced me, instead of coming to my aid you would
desert me? You would hide yourself, saying, 'Let him perish, so that I
be saved!' Speak! Would you do this?"
She averted her face and made no reply. She could not force herself to
utter an untruth; and she was unwilling to answer: "I would act as you
are acting." She waited for her father's decision.
"If I should comply with your request, Maurice," said M. Lacheneur, "in
less than three days you would curse me, and ruin us by some outburst
of anger.
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