human
You know, sir, he said kindly,
gpt
Anything but this! Ruined, ruined--what ruin and disgrace!
human
Not so, my boy; there is no disgrace in being less wellborn--it is only that one possesses a few privileges the less.
gpt
How am I to leave, sir? Shall I not have permission to seek my proofs in Canada and return?
human
If you can obtain the proofs you shall have your place again.
gpt
Grant me but a few days to arrange my affairs.
human
In your own interest let me advise you not to make it more than twenty-four hours.
gpt
Twenty-four hours?
human
Twenty-four.
gpt
Twenty-four hours! repeated Lecour, dazed.
human
Can I have the privilege, then, at least, of wearing the uniform until I leave France?
gpt
That cannot be.
human
May I ask but a certificate of having served, with honour in the company?
gpt
It is due solely to those whose original right to have entered the corps is without dispute.
human
Alas! all who have known me in my former state will ask why I have ceased to retain it.
gpt
Were I not a soldier, sighed Collinot, making a great effort to repress his own feelings,
human
I should under these painful circumstances most gladly write you a certificate. Remember me ever as one who would have liked to be your friend.
gpt
Oh, sir, you have been too kind to me,