Several people were rapidly passing and repassing before the fire, and throwing various singular-shaped objects into the flames.
"But what is that?" asked the regent of Dubois, who seemed as much surprised as himself.
"That which is burning now?" asked the abbe.——"Yes," replied the regent.
"Ma foi, monseigneur, it looks to me very much like a violincello."
"It is mine," said the abbess, "an excellent violincello by Valeri."
"And you are burning it!" exclaimed the duke.
"All instruments are sources of perdition," said the abbess, in a tone which betrayed the most profound remorse.
"Eh, but here is a harpsichord," interrupted the duke.
"My harpsichord, monsieur; it was so perfect that it enticed me toward earthly things; I condemned it this morning."
"And what are those chests of papers with which they are feeding the fire?" asked Dubois, whom the spectacle seemed to interest immensely.