"Stay a moment, Tiernay," said he, looking for something among his papers; "there are, probably, situations where all your scruples could find accommodation, and even be serviceable, too." "I would rather not place them in peril, Mons. Le Ministre." "There are people in this city of Paris who would not despise my protection, young man; some of them to the full as well supplied with the gifts of fortune as Mons. Tiernay." "And, doubtless, more fitted to deserve it!" said I, sarcastically; for every moment now rendered me more courageous. "And, doubtless, more fitted to deserve it," repeated he after me, with a wave of the hand in token of adieu. I bowed respectfully, and was retiring, when he called out in a low and gentle voice-- "Before you go, Mons. de Tiernay, I will thank you to restore my snuff-box." "Your snuff-box, sir!" cried I, indignantly, "what do I know of it?" "In a moment of inadvertence, you may, probably, have placed it in your pocket," said he, smiling; "do me the favor to search there." "This is unnecessary insult, sir," said I fiercely; "and you forget that I am a French officer!" "It is of more consequence that you should remember it," said he calmly; "and now, sir, do as I have told you." "It is well, sir, that this scene has no witness," said I, boiling over with passion, "or, by Heaven, all the dignity of your station should not save you." "Your observation is most just," said he, with the same coolness. "It is as well that we are quite alone; and for this reason I beg to repeat my request. If you persist in a refusal, and force me to ring that bell--" "You would not dare to offer me such an indignity," said I, trembling with rage. "You leave me no alternative, sir," said he, rising, and taking the bell in his hand. "My honor is also engaged in this question. I have preferred a charge--" "You have," cried I, interrupting, "and for whose falsehood I am resolved to hold you responsible." "To prove which, you must show your innocence." "There, then--there are my pockets; here are the few things I possess. This is my pocket-book--my purse. Oh, heavens, what is this?" cried I, as I drew forth the gold box, along with the other contents of my pocket; and then staggering back, I fell, overwhelmed with shame and sickness, against the wall. For some seconds I neither saw nor heard any thing; a vague sense of ineffable disgrace--of some ignominy that made life a misery, was over me, and I closed my eyes with the wish never to open them more. "The box has a peculiar value in my eyes, sir," said he; "it was a present from the First Consul, otherwise I might have hesitated--" "Oh, sir, you can not, you dare not, suppose me guilty of a theft. You seem bent on being my ruin; but, for mercy's sake, let your hatred of me take some other shape than this. Involve me in what snares, what conspiracies you will, give me what share you please in any guilt, but spare me the degradation of such a shame."