He took the diligence for Marseilles at six o'clock this evening." Antoine at this declaration, which Felicite uttered in a clear voice, made a gesture of rage.

He rushed through the drawing-room, and then into the bedroom, turned the bed up, looked behind the curtains and under the furniture.

The four big fellows assisted him.

They searched the place for a quarter of an hour.

Felicite meantime quietly seated herself on the drawing-room sofa, and began to fasten the strings of her petticoats, like a person who has been surprised in her sleep and has not had time to dress properly.
"It's true then, he's run away, the coward!" Macquart muttered on returning to the drawing-room.
Nevertheless, he continued to look about him with a suspicious air.