“Madam,--Like all Paris, I also have heard of your proud and noble
protest on the day of your father’s unfortunate marriage. Egotists and
fools will perhaps blame you. But you may despise them; for all the best
men are on your side. And my dear Daniel, if he were here, would approve
and admire your courage, as I do myself.”
She drew a full breath, as if her heart had been relieved of a heavy
burden.
Daniel’s friend approved her conduct. This was enough to stifle
henceforth the voice of reason, and to make her disregard every idea of
prudence. The whole letter of M. de Brevan was, moreover, nothing but a
long and respectful admonition to resist desperately.