Some one was knocking sharply on the door below. Followed
moments of agonized suspense, culminating in the abrupt invasion of
the room by the footman Jacques. He looked round, not seeing his
mistress at first.
"Madame! Madame!" he panted, out of breath.
"What is it, Jacques!" Her voice was steady now that the need for
self-control seemed thrust upon her. She advanced from the shadows
into that island of light about the table. "There is a man below.
He is asking... he is demanding to see you at once."
"A man?" she questioned.
"He... he seems to be an official; at least he wears the sash of
office. And he refuses to give any name; he says that his name
would convey nothing to you. He insists that he must see you in
person and at once."
"An official?" said madame.
"An official," Jacques repeated. "I would not have admitted him,
but that he demanded it in the name of the Nation. Madame, it is
for you to say what shall be done. Robert is with me. If you
wish it... whatever it may be... "
"My good Jacques, no, no.
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