it is not pardon that is granted to me, but tardy justice. Nevertheless, that does not prevent me from being grateful to you for the efforts you have put forth in my behalf. Well, then, I am free?" "The Commissioner of Marine will be here presently; he will confirm what I have said to you. You can leave this place to-day--this hour." "Now, monsieur, finding you so well entrenched at court--the republican court," the merchant proceeded to say, smiling, "I wish you would be kind enough to use your good offices with the Commissioner that he grant me a favor which he may be inclined to refuse." "I am at your service, monsieur." "You see this iron ring that I carry on my leg, and to which my chain is fastened? Now, then, I would like to be allowed to take this ring with me. I shall pay for it, of course." "How! That ring! You would like to preserve it?" "It is merely a collector's mania, monsieur. I already own several small historic curiosities--among others the casque which you so kindly presented to me as a souvenir. I would like to join to them the iron ring of the political galley-slave. You will understand, monsieur, that, to me and my family, the two curiosities together will mean a good deal." "Nothing easier, I believe, monsieur, than to meet your wishes. I shall so notify the Commissioner. But allow me a question--it may be indiscreet." "What is it, monsieur?" "I remember that eighteen months ago--and many a time and oft have I recalled the incident--I remember that, when I asked you to keep my casque as a memento of your generous conduct towards me, you answered--" "That that would not be the only article from your family that my collection contained; not so?" "Yes, monsieur." "I told you the truth." "You also told me, I believe, monsieur, that the Nerowegs of Plouernel--" "Had several times, in the course of the ages and of events, encountered several members of my obscure slave, serf, vassal or plebeian family," the merchant put in, completing the sentence of the Count of Plouernel. "That is also true, monsieur." "And what were the occasions? What the circumstances? How come you to be informed on events that took place so very long ago?" "Permit me, monsieur, to keep that secret, and pardon me for having so thoughtlessly awakened in you a curiosity that I may not satisfy. Still laboring under the intoxicating influence of that day of triumphant civil war, and of the singular fatality that brought us, you and me, face to face, an allusion to the past escaped my lips. I regret it, because, I repeat--there are family remembrances that must never go outside of the domestic hearth." "I shall not insist, monsieur," said the Count of Plouernel. And after a moment's hesitation he added: "I have another question, also, I presume, indiscreet--" "I listen, monsieur." "What do you think of seeing me serve the Republic?" "Such a question demands a frank answer." "I know you are incapable of making any other, monsieur."