Suddenly an usher entered the courtroom, approached the judge, and whispered something in his ear.
"Gentlemen," said the judge, "the court is adjourned for a time.

Let the prisoners be taken out." There was a movement of feverish anxiety among the audience.

What could have happened?
What unexpected event was about to take place?
Every one looked anxiously at his neighbor.

Amelie's heart was wrung by a presentiment.

She pressed her hand to her breast; it was as though an ice-cold iron had pierced it to the springs of life.
The gendarmes rose.