In the market, therefore, was hurrying.

Men cried their wares in lowered voices, and tarried but a little for the oldest customer.

The bargain struck, the more timid among the buyers hastened to shut themselves into their houses again; the bolder, who ventured to the Place to confirm the rumour with their eyes, talked in corners and in lanes, avoided the open, and eyed the sinister preparations from afar.

The shadow of the things which stood before the cathedral affronting the sunlight with their gaunt black shapes lay across the length and breadth of Angers.

Even in the corners where men whispered, even in the cloisters where men bit their nails in impotent anger, the stillness of fear ruled all.