Part 50 (2/2)
”That it is enious” And Andre-Louis turned aside to look out of the
”And is that all you think of it?”
”I will not tell you what else I think of it because you probably would not understand For you, M Danton, there is at least this excuse that you did not know entleman here with such a proposal!”
Le Chapelier was overwhelized ”But M Danton would not take ht not be to your taste”
”I would not!” Danton broke in, bellowing He swung upon Le Chapelier, brandishi+ng his great arms ”You told me monsieur was a patriot
Patriotis-master a patriot?”
”Would you, monsieur, out of patriotism consent to become an assassin?”
”Of course I would Haven't I told you so? Haven't I told you that I would gladly go a them with my club, and crack them like so many--fleas?”
”Why not, then?”
”Why not? Because I should get ed Haven't I said so?”
”But what of that ------ being a patriot? Why not, like another Curtius, juulf, since you believe that your country would benefit by your death?”
M Danton showed signs of exasperation ”Because my country will benefit more by my life”
”Permit me, monsieur, to suffer froer to you? You would do your work under the cloak of duelling--as they do”
”Have you reflected, -master who kills his opponent as an ordinary co-master himself provoked the attack?”
”So! Name of a name!” M Danton blew out his cheeks and delivered hi scorn ”It comes to this, then: you are afraid!”
”You may think so if you choose--that I am afraid to do slyly and treacherously that which a thrasonical patriot like yourself is afraid of doing frankly and openly I have other reasons But that one should suffice you”
Danton gasped Then he swore ly and variedly than ever
”By ----! you are right,” he adht, and I a I am as bad a patriot as you are, and I am a coward as well” And he invoked the whole Pantheon to witness his self-denunciation ”Only, you see, I count for so me, why, there it is! Monsieur, we ive the intrusion Adieu!” He held out his enor, crestfallen
”You understand, Andre? I am sorry that”
”Say no ain I would press you to re nine, and the first of my pupils is about to arrive”
”Nor would I permit it,” said Danton ”Between us we uish M de La Tour d'Azyr and his friends”
”Who?”
Sharp as a pistol-shot ca away