He was not yet mad enough for that.

In the meantime was there any one to whom he could appeal?
Any course he could adopt?
The sound of the latch rising in its socket drew his eyes to the outer door.

It opened, and he saw Louis Gentilis on the threshold.

Holding the door ajar, the young man peered in.

Meeting Claude's eyes, he looked to the stairs, as if to seek the protection of Anne's presence; failing to find her, he made for an instant as if he would shut the door again, and go.