Canalis would be in a bad way if the duchess were to find out what he
is doing here; and I hope, monsieur, that you will go no further in
this business of spying, which is unworthy of an honest man."
"Monsieur," said Butscha, proudly; "for me Modeste is my country. I do
not spy; I foresee, I take precautions. The duchess will come here if
it is desirable, or she will stay tranquilly where she is, according
to what I judge best."
"You?"
"I."
"And how, pray?"
"Ha, that's it!" said the little hunchback, plucking a blade of grass.
"See here! this herb believes that men build palaces for it to grow
in; it wedges its way between the closest blocks of marble, and brings
them down, just as the masses forced into the edifice of feudality
have brought it to the ground. The power of the feeble life that can
creep everywhere is greater than that of the mighty behind their
cannons. I am one of three who have sworn that Modeste shall be happy,
and we would sell our honor for her. Adieu, monsieur. If you truly
love Mademoiselle de La Bastie, forget this conversation and shake
hands with me, for I think you've got a heart.
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