At the slightest noise they imagined there were enemies deliberating beneath the terrace, prior to scaling it.

Yet there was nothing, nothing but darkness upon which they fixed their eyes distractedly.

The marquis, as if to console them, said in his ironical way: "Don't be uneasy! They will certainly wait till daybreak." Meanwhile Rougon cursed and swore.

He felt himself again giving way to fear.

As for Granoux, his hair turned completely white.