He gave no sign and the two gentlemen came in, M.Ledoux having first beckoned to some one outside.

This was M.le cure, who carried in his hand an object unknown to Newman, and covered with a white napkin.

M.le cure was short, round, and red: he advanced, pulling off his little black cap to Newman, and deposited his burden on the table; and then he sat down in the best arm-chair, with his hands folded across his person.

The other gentlemen had exchanged glances which expressed unanimity as to the timeliness of their presence.

But for a long time Valentin neither spoke nor moved.