Moreover, his breathing grew so stertorous that it must have been almost audible in the corridor.
“It’s a pity,” murmured Madame de Luzy. “I was so satisfied with my little artifice. But never mind; we won’t despair. May God be our aid!”
A heavy fist shook the door.
“Who knocks?” Pauline inquired.
“The representatives of the Nation.”
“Can’t you wait a minute?”
“Open, or we shall break the door down!”
“Go and open the door, my friend.”
Suddenly, by a sort of miracle, Planchonnet ceased to tremble and gasp.