The sounds which had chilled her heart at intervals during two days were no longer heard.

A feeling almost of peace, almost of comfort--a drowsy feeling, that was three parts a reaction from excitement--took possession of her.

In the darkness her head sank lower and lower on her knees.

And half an hour passed, while Javette whimpered, and Madame Carlat slumbered, her broad back propped against the wall.
Suddenly Mademoiselle opened her eyes, and saw, three steps below her, a strange man whose upward way she barred.

Behind him came Carlat, and behind him Bigot, lighting both; and in the confusion of her thoughts as she rose to her feet the three, all staring at her in a common amazement, seemed a company.