"Madame la Vicomtesse de Cambes," he replied, "request her Highness's permission to retire."
"No, no," said Claire, "I want—"
"Your place is not here, madame," Lenet interrupted. "You can do nothing for him; I will keep you informed of whatever takes place, and together we will try to save him."
"The viscountess may retire," said the princess. "Those ladies who do not care to be present at this function are at liberty to follow her."
Not a woman stirred; one of the never-ending aspirations of that half of the human race whose destiny it is to fascinate is to usurp the rights of the half destined to command. These ladies saw an opportunity to play the part of men for a moment, and proposed to make the most of it.
Madame de Cambes left the room, supported by Lenet. On the stairs she met Pompée whom she had sent in quest of news.
"Well?" said she inquiringly.
"He is arrested!"
"Monsieur Lenet," said Claire, "I have no confidence or hope save in you and God!" and she rushed despairingly into her own room.
"What questions shall I put to him who is about to appear before us?" Madame la Princess asked, as Lenet resumed his place beside the clerk, "and to whose lot shall it fall to die?"