He laughs best who laughs last." Thereupon Rougon, who had formed no definite plan with regard to him, thrust him into a dressing-room whither Monsieur Garconnet retired to rest sometimes.

This room lighted from above, had no other means of exit than the doorway by which one entered.

It was furnished with a few arm-chairs, a sofa, and a marble wash-stand.

Pierre double-locked the door, after partially unbinding his brother's hands.

Macquart was then heard to throw himself on the sofa, and start singing the "Ca Ira" in a loud voice, as though he were trying to sing himself to sleep.
Rougon, who at last found himself alone, now in his turn sat down in the mayor's arm-chair.