On the threshold Garnache paused, and looked over his shoulder.
"Are you content, madame?
Have you seen fine deeds enough for one day ?" he asked her, laughing.

But, white to the lips with chagrin, she returned no answer.
Garnache and his party crossed the anteroom, after having taken the precaution to lock the door upon the Marquise and her men, and proceeding down a gloomy passage they gained the courtyard.

Here Marius was consoled to find some men of the garrison of Condillac a half-score, or so--all more or less armed, surrounding the horses of Garnache and his lackey.

At sight of the odd group that now appeared those ruffians stood at gaze, surprised, and with suspicions aroused by Garnache's naked sword, ready for anything their master might demand of them.
Marius had in that instant a gleam of hope.

Thus far, Garnache had been master of the situation.