It is hateful work, for I can never leave the Temple, and I
am just as much a prisoner as he is."
"The republic has done you a great honor," said the knitter,
solemnly. "She has confidence that you will make out of the son of
the she-wolf, out of the worthless scion of tyrants, a son of the
republic, a useful citizen."
"Good talk," growled Simon, "and you have only the honor of the
affair, and the satisfaction besides of plaguing the son of our
tyrants a bit."
"Of taking revenge," struck in the knitter--"revenge for the misery
which my family has suffered from the tyrants."
"But I," continued Simon, "I have certainly the honor of the thing,
but I have also the burden. In the first place, it is very hard to
make a strong and useful citizen, of the republic out of this
whining, tender, and sensitive urchin. And then again it is very
unpleasant and disagreeable to have to live like a prisoner always."
"Listen, Simon, hear what I promise you," said Jeanne Marie, laying
her hard brown hand upon Simon's shoulder. "If the Austrian atones
to-day for her crimes, and the executioner shows her head to the
avenged people, I will give up my place at the guillotine as a
knitter, will remain with you here in the Temple, will take my share
in the bringing up of the little Capet, and you yourself shall make
the proposition to the supervisor, that your wife like yourself
shall not be allowed to leave the Temple.
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