He rushed toward them, seized and kissed them; then, remarking where she had placed them,—
"There is no longer any doubt," said he, "these violets—It is her last adieu."
When Maurice turned round he perceived for the first time that the trunk was half full, the rest of the linen was on the floor, or in the half-opened wardrobe.
The linen which lay upon the floor had no doubt fallen from Geneviève's hand at the appearance of Dixmer.
It was all explained now. The scene rose vivid and terrible before his eyes, between these four walls that had lately witnessed so much happiness.
Till now Maurice had remained crushed and heart-broken. Now the reaction was fearful. His rage bordered on frenzy.
He rose, closed the window, took from the top of his desk a pair of pistols, ready loaded for their intended journey, looked to the priming, and finding all right placed them in his pocket.
He also furnished himself with two rolls of louis, which notwithstanding his patriotism he had thought it prudent to conceal at the bottom of a drawer, and taking his sabre in his hand,—
"Scævola," said he, "you are attached to me, I think; you have served my father and myself for fifteen years."