"Yes, because I know that Marie and you are both young; because you are compelled every moment to associate intimately; because the expression of the gratitude she owes you would, to suspicious eyes, seem the expression of a more tender sentiment; because, in fact, I know that the old Marquise of Pont Brillant, shameless old dowager if there is one, has made at the castle, in the presence of twenty persons, wicked and satirical allusions to the age and appearance of the preceptor that Madame Bastien has chosen for her son." "Oh, that is infamous!" "Yes, it is infamous; yes, it is shameful; but you will give plausibility to these calumnies, if you remain in this house while Madame Bastien, after seventeen years of marriage, is suing for a separation." "But I swear to you, Pierre, she knows nothing of my love; for you know well that I would rather die than say one word to her of this love, because she owes the salvation of her son to me." "I have no doubt of you, or of her, but I repeat to you, that your prolonged sojourn in this house will prove an irreparable injury to Marie." "Pierre, these fears are foolish." "These fears are only too well founded; your presence here, so wickedly misconstrued, will be a reproach to the stainless purity of Marie's life; her request for a separation will be judged beforehand, and perhaps rejected. Then Bastien, more than ever irritated against his wife, will treat her with renewed cruelty, and he will kill her, Henri,--kill her legally, kill her honourably, as so many husbands kill their wives." The justice of the doctor's words was evident; David could not fail to recognise it. Wishing, however, to cling to a last and forlorn hope, he said: "But, really, Pierre, how can I leave Frederick, who, this present moment, needs all my care? For his mental health is scarcely confirmed. Dear child! to leave at the very time when I see such a glorious future in store for him?" "But, remember, pray, that this evening M. Bastien will be here, that he will tell you, perhaps, to leave the house,--for after all, he is master of this house; then what will you do?" The conversation between David and the doctor was interrupted by Frederick, who entered hurriedly and said to Doctor Dufour: "My mother has just awakened from her sleep, and desires to speak to you at once." "My child," said the physician to Frederick, "I have something special to say to your mother. Please remain here with David." And turning to his friend, he added: "Henri, I can rely on you; you understand me?" "I understand you." "You give me your word to do what you ought to do?" After a long hesitation, during which Frederick, surprised at these mysterious words, looked alternately at the doctor and David, the latter replied, in a firm voice, as he extended his hand to his friend. "Pierre, you have my word." "That is well," said the physician with deep emotion, as he pressed David's hand. Then he added: