It struck ten.
"Open!" cried a voice from the base of the tower, which Maurice knew to be that of General Santerre.
Immediately the guard assumed arms and closed the iron gratings; the sentinels also presented arms. There was then heard in all the court a confused noise of iron, stones, and footsteps, which vividly impressed both Morand and Geneviève, for Maurice observed them both turn pale.
"All these precautions to guard three poor women," murmured Geneviève.
"Yes," said Morand, endeavoring to smile; "if those who tempt them to escape were now here, and in our place saw what we see, it would disgust them with their trade."
"In fact," continued Geneviève, "I begin to think they will never escape."
"I hope they never will," said Maurice, inclining over the staircase as he spoke.
"Attention," cried he; "here are the prisoners."
"Name them to me," said Geneviève, "for I do not know any of them."