Chauvelin's words were still ringing in his ear.

Was he, then, to be set free to-night?
Free in a measure, of course, since spies were to be set to watch him--but free, nevertheless?
He could not understand Chauvelin's attitude, and his own self-love was not a little wounded at the thought that he was of such little account that these men could afford to give him even this provisional freedom.

And, of course, there was still Jeanne.
"I must, therefore, bid you good-night, citizen," Chauvelin was saying in his bland, gently ironical manner.

"You will be glad to return to your lodgings.

As you see, the chief agent of the Committee of General Security is too much occupied just now to accept the sacrifice of your life which you were prepared so generously to offer him." "I do not understand you, citizen," retorted Armand coldly, "nor do I desire indulgence at your hands.