…[Aupick and Alphose, shaking hands outside The Victorie]

“Our plans for Baudelaire’s well-being have been delayed, not denied, General Aupick.”

“Revolution, suicide and recalcitrance are no match for our age and guile, it seems, my good Alphonse.”

“Ha ha! Yes, indeed, now that the dust has settled. And the best of it is, that young Baudelaire himself will benefit from our finesse–the same he has so ardently tried to deny!”

“Peter himself denied Christ thrice before the cock crowed, and yet became the rock of Mother Church. Perhaps Baudelaire’s rocky road will turn an equally fortunate corner.”

“The adventure we have planned for him will shape him, I trust.”

“Let’s shake on it.”

“I will post your letter today, General Aupick, and forward the funds to the concerned parties.”