Never for a moment did he doubt that he could save her, that his life would be readily accepted in exchange for hers.
The crowd around him was moving up the monumental steps, and Armand went with the crowd.

It lacked but a few minutes to ten now; soon the court would begin to sit.

In the olden days, when he was studying for the law, Armand had often wandered about at will along the corridors of the house of Justice.

He knew exactly where the different prisons were situated about the buildings, and how to reach the courtyards where the prisoners took their daily exercise.
To watch those aristos who were awaiting trial and death taking their recreation in these courtyards had become one of the sights of Paris.

Country cousins on a visit to the city were brought hither for entertainment.