CHAPTER XII.
THE CUP AND THE LIP.
Blondel could not hide the agitation he felt as he listened to his unexpected visitors, and saw whither their errand tended.

Fabri, who was leader of the deputation of three who had come upon him without warning, discerned this; much more Baudichon and Petitot, whose eyes were on the watch for the least sign of weakness.

And Blondel was conscious that they saw it, and on that account strove the more to mask his feelings under a show of decision.

"I have little doubt that I shall have news within the hour," he said.

"Before night, I must have news." And nodding with the air of a man who knew much which he could not impart, he leant back in the old abbot's chair.
But Fabri had not come for that, nor was he to be satisfied with that; and, after a pause, "Yes," he replied, "I know.