Affecting no scornful indifference to his position, he looked calmly and kindly around, as if he sought on his dark path the affectionate glances of those who loved him.

Nor did he seek in vain; here and there he encountered those glances, and joyfully returned them.

He even heard sobs, and he saw hands extended toward him, many of which grasped weapons.

But no gesture of his encouraged these mute offers of aid; he lowered his eyes and went on, careful not to compromise those who so trusted in him, or to involve them in his own misfortunes.

This was Urbain Grandier.
Suddenly the procession stopped, at a sign from the man who walked apart, and who seemed to command its progress.