Maurice smiled.
During this conversation, the scene which Maurice had anticipated was passing on the other side.
The woman Tison approached the queen.
"Madame," said the queen, "your despair grieves me. I do not wish to deprive you of your daughter,—that would be too cruel; but pray consider, perhaps by doing what these men require, your child will be lost none the less."
"Do what they tell you!" cried the woman,—"do what they tell you!"
"But first, at least, hear what is the matter."
"What is the matter?" demanded the woman, with almost savage curiosity.
"Your daughter brought a friend with her."
"Yes, a work-woman like herself. She did not like to come alone, because of the soldiers."
"This friend committed a letter to your daughter; your daughter let it fall. Marie, who was passing, picked it up. It is, doubtless, a paper of no consequence, but still one upon which evil-minded people might put a bad construction. Did not the municipal just tell you, when they wish that they can always do so?"