But what can this young lady
require of me? Show her in, Constant!'
An instant later my cousin Sibylle was conducted into the room.
Her face was pale and set, but her large dark eyes were filled with
resolution, and she carried herself like a princess.
'Well, mademoiselle, why do you come here? What is it that you want?'
asked the Emperor in the brusque manner which he adopted to women, even
if he were wooing them.
Sibylle glanced round, and as our eyes met for an instant I felt that my
presence had renewed her courage. She looked bravely at the Emperor as
she answered him.
'I come, Sire, to implore a favour of you.'
'Your father's daughter has certainly claims upon me, mademoiselle.
What is it that you wish?'
'I do not ask it in my father's name, but in my own. I implore you,
Sire, to spare the life of Monsieur Lucien Lesage, who was arrested
yesterday upon a charge of treason. He is a student, Sire--a mere
dreamer who has lived away from the world and has been made a tool by
designing men.'
'A dreamer!' cried the Emperor harshly.
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