“I will get you made a sergeant.”
“Yes, and he who gave me the order will have me shot.”
“And who did give you the order?”
“The king.”
“The king!” cried they; “oh, we are lost!”
“Is there no other door?”
“Oh! madame, if this one is closed, be sure all the others will be so also,” said Andrée.
“You are right, Andrée. ’Tis a horrible trick of the king,” she said, with a contempt almost menacing.
There was a sort of bank outside the door, which they sank down upon in despair. They could see the light under the door, and could hear the steps of the sentinel as he paced to and fro.
Within this little door was salvation; without, shame and scandal.