Madame Belhomme, impressed and cowed, obeyed like an automaton. She turned and marched fairly straight out of the room. It was not a minute too soon. From outside had already come the third and final summons:
"Open, in the name of the people!"
After that a crowbar would break open the door.
Madame Belhomme's heavy footsteps were heard crossing the ante-chamber. Armand still knelt at Jeanne's feet, holding her trembling little hand in his.
"A love-scene," she whispered rapidly, "a love-scene—quick—do you know one?"
And even as he had tried to rise she held him hack, down on his knees.
He thought that fear was making her distracted.
"Mademoiselle—" he murmured, trying to soothe her.
"Try and understand," she said with wonderful calm, "and do as I tell you. Aunt Marie has obeyed. Will
