In serving myself I could also perhaps serve a friend, one
who might otherwise run into danger--who may be in danger while you
and I stand here. For the Emperor strikes hard and quickly. I
speak of your father, Mademoiselle--and of the Tugendbund."
Still he could not see from the pale profile whether Mathilde knew
anything at all.
"And if I procure information for you?" asked she at length, in a
quiet and collected voice.
"You will help me to attain a position such as I could ask--even
you--to share with me. And you would do your father no harm. You
would even render him a service. For all the secret societies in
Germany will not stop Napoleon. It is only God who can stop him
now, Mademoiselle. All men who attempt it will only be crushed
beneath the wheels. I might save your father."
But Mathilde did not seem to be thinking of her father.
"I am hampered by poverty," de Casimir said, changing his ground.
"In the old days it did not matter. But now, in the Empire, one
must be rich. I shall be rich--at the end of this campaign."
Again his voice was sincere, and again her eyes responded. He made
a step forward, and gently taking her hand, he raised it to his
lips.
"You will help me!" he said, and, turning abruptly on his heel, he
left her.
De Casimir's quarters were in the Langenmarkt. On returning to
them, he took from his despatch-case a letter which he turned over
thoughtfully in his hand.
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