It sufficed for the one who had a communication to make to set the pulley in motion, for its creaking noise could be heard a long way off.

But although, on certain days, they summoned one another two or three times in succession to speak of trifles of immense importance, it was only in the evening in that lonely little passage that they tasted real happiness.

Miette was exceptionally punctual.

She fortunately slept over the kitchen, in a room where the winter provisions had been kept before her arrival, and which was reached by a little private staircase.

She was thus able to go out at all hours, without being seen by Rebufat or Justin.