would be inexplicable, were it sincere. It must
therefore conceal some after-thought of cupidity.

"'Well! in that view of the case, we can offer you ample
compensation--with this difference, that your hopes are now entirely
founded on the probable gratitude of your friends, a very doubtful
chance at the best, whereas our offers will be realized on the instant.
To speak clearly, this is what we ask, what we exact of you. This very
night, before twelve, you must have left Paris, and engage not to return
for six months.'" Djalma could not repress a movement of surprise, and
looked at Rodin.

"Quite natural," said the latter; "the cause of my poor friends would be
judged by that time, and I should be unable to watch over them. You see
how it is, my dear prince," added Rodin, with bitter indignation. "But
please continue, and excuse me for having interrupted you; though,
indeed, such impudence disgusts me."

Djalma continued: "'That we may be certain of your removal from Paris
for six months, you will go to the house of one of our friends in
Germany. You will there be received with generous hospitality, but
forcibly detained until the expiration of the term.'"

"Yes, yes! a voluntary prison," said Rodin.

"'On these conditions, you will receive a pension of one thousand francs
a month, to begin from your departure from Paris, ten thousand francs
down, and twenty thousand at the end of the six months--the whole to
be completely secured to you. Finally, at the end of the six months, we
will place you in a position both honorable and independent.'"

Djalma having stopped short, with involuntary indignation, Rodin said to
him: "Let me beg you to continue, my dear prince. Read to the end,
and it will give you some idea of what passes in the midst of our
civilization."

Djalma resumed: "'You know well enough the course of affairs, and what
we are, to feel that in providing for your absence, we only wish to get
rid of an enemy, not very dangerous, but rather troublesome. Do not be
blinded by your first success. The results of your denunciation will
be stifled, because they are calumnious. The judge who received your
evidence will soon repent his odious partiality. You may make what use
you please of this letter. We know what we write, to whom we write, and
how we write. You will receive this letter at three o'clock; if by four
o'clock we have not your full and complete acceptance, written with your
own hand at the bottom