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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from The Deputy of Arcis by Honore de Balzac: our friend will seriously complicate the matter. We can take no steps
without him; and I cannot understand why he should disappear without
informing those who take the deepest interest in him."
"That he has not informed you is certainly singular," replied Madame
de l'Estorade, in the same freezing tone; "but as for my husband or
me, there is nothing to be surprised about."
The meaning of this discourteous answer was too plain for Jacques
Bricheteau not to perceive it. He looked straight at the countess, who
lowered her eyes; but the whole expression of her countenance, due
north, confirmed the meaning he could no longer mistake in her words.
"Pardon me, madame," he said, rising. "I was not aware that the future
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