When the last man had disappeared, the women, like those of an eastern harem, began to come out.

The first that entered the deserted room was a hard-featured, reproachful-looking woman, the sister of the departed.
She instantly began to put the place in order, as if she expected her turn to come on the morrow.

In a few moments more a servant appeared, and began to assist her.

The girl had been crying, and the tears would still come, in spite of her efforts to repress them.

In the vain attempt to dry her eyes with the corner of her apron, she nearly dropped one of the chairs, which she was simultaneously dusting and restoring to its usual place.