“No, no!” he said, “from the strongest to the weakest, women should be the creatures of our care and protection. It is unnatural that they should struggle and fight for us—more unnatural that we should assail them. Thank God this great happiness will rescue a noble woman from the vortex toward which she was drifting! The moment her husband is free, I will myself take them across the frontier. In their old home they shall find rest while the storm bursts over France.” CHAPTER XXXVIII. MIRABEAU AND HIS FOSTER BROTHER IN COUNCIL. “Monsieur Jacques!” Jacques started up and went to the door, which had been slightly opened. It was the voice of Mirabeau. “Come out, I would speak with you in your own room,” said the count, abruptly. “It seems to me you are never at home now.” “But you know where to find me,” said Jacques, good-humoredly. “Yes, always with these women. I think the girl has bewitched you, my friend.” Jacques made no answer, but his face flushed crimson as he unlocked the door of his own room, and stood back for Mirabeau to enter. “Well, what news have you that will give me pleasure!” demanded the count, the moment they were alone. “Nothing, my count; but I fear much that will anger you.” “From that woman? Well, speak out. It will only be another rejection of the power that could save her.” Mirabeau refused a seat, and kept walking up and down the chamber like a wild beast in its cage. While Jacques hesitated how to tell his story best, he turned fiercely upon him. “Well, my friend, has the Austrian struck you dumb?” “No, count; but I can scarcely relate my interview with a hope that you will understand it as I did. The words were discouraging enough; there was something in the king’s manner that convinced me of his wish to accept your help.” “No doubt. He has some little discernment; but the woman is guided entirely by her prejudices. Tell me what she said.” Jacques did tell him word for word; but he said nothing of the look of scornful pride that made each syllable so bitter. Mirabeau paused in his walk and listened. “And this is all?” he said, when Jacques paused. “Why, man, this is better news than I expected—the woman leaves a loop-hole for the future; the stubborn pride would not all come down at once, but it is yielding. We must not speak discouragingly to my father, or all his generous plans may freeze up again. He has set his proud old heart on making me the saviour of the monarchy—and so it may be, Jacques; so it shall be.” “But the people—who shall save them?” questioned Jacques, a little sternly; for with all his fond admiration of the man, he could not blind himself to the sublime egotism of this speech, or the utter selfishness which inspired it. Mirabeau turned suddenly; the grand ugliness of his face was illuminated by a smile.