fingers, like Michael, the indifferent.

Natacha ceased singing, but all seemed to be listening to her still
- the convivial group on the terrace appeared to be held in charmed
attention, and the porcelain statuettes of men on the lawn,
according to the mode of the Iles, seemed to lift on their short
legs the better to hear pass the sighing harmony of Natacha in the
rose nights at the north of the world.

Meanwhile Matrena wandered through the house from cellar to attic,
watching over her husband like a dog on guard, ready to bite, to
throw itself in the way of danger, to receive the blows, to die
for its master - and hunting for Rouletabille, who had disappeared
again.




III

THE WATCH

She went out to caution the servants to a strict watch, armed to
the teeth, before the gate all night long, and she crossed the
deserted garden. Under the veranda the schwitzar was spreading a
mattress for Ermolai. She asked him if he had seen the young
Frenchman anywhere, and after the answer, could only say to herself,
"Where is he, then?" Where had Rouletabille gone? The general,
whom she had carried up to his room on her back, without any help,
and had helped into bed without assistance, was disturbed by this