them. You accept their advances--you kneel before them--why? Because
they will be more completely in your power when you have lulled their
suspicions to rest, and then you can strike them more surely----"

He paused; the communicating door opened, and Marie-Anne appeared upon
the threshold.

"Father," said she, "here is the Marquis de Sairmeuse."

This name, which Marie-Anne uttered in a voice of such perfect
composure, in the midst of this excited discussion, possessed such a
powerful significance, that M. d'Escorval stood as if petrified.

"He dares to come here!" he thought. "How can it be that he does not
fear the walls will fall and crush him?"

M. Lacheneur cast a withering glance at his daughter. He suspected her
of a ruse which would force him to reveal his secret. For a second, the
most furious passion contracted his features.

But, by a prodigious effort of will, he succeeded in regaining his
composure. He sprang to the door, pushed Marie-Anne aside, and leaning
out, he said:

"Deign to excuse me, Monsieur, if I take the liberty of asking you to
wait a moment; I am just finishing some business, and I will be with you
in a moment."

Neither agitation nor anger could be detected in his voice; but, rather,
a respectful deference, and a feeling of profound gratitude.