The duke left the room, shaking his head, and commending Nanon to Cauvignac's care with an eloquent look.
"Oh! how that man tortures me!" cried Nanon, as soon as his back was turned; "if he had remained a moment longer, I believe I should have died."
Cauvignac raised his hand to bid her be silent; then he put his ear to the door to make sure that the duke had really gone.
"Oh! what care I," cried Nanon, "whether he listens or does not listen? You whispered two words in my ear to give me comfort; tell me what you think, what you hope!"
"Sister," replied Cauvignac, assuming a grave demeanor, which was by no means habitual with him, "I will not tell you that I am sure of success, but I will repeat what I said before, that I will do everything in the world to succeed."
"To succeed in what?" demanded Nanon; "we understand one another this time, do we not; there is no ghastly practical joke between us?"
"To succeed in saving the unfortunate Canolles."
Nanon gazed at him with terrifying intensity.
"He is lost, is he not?"
"Alas!" was the reply; "if you ask me for my honest, outspoken opinion, I admit that the prospect is dark."