The entrance door was pushed open. Robespierre turned, and seeing Urbain understood that Lebas had at last arrived with Olivier. He did not, however, wish to be seen by his son.
"Let Citoyen Lebas and his companion wait outside till I have gone," he said.
Urbain looked astonished.
"But there is no one with Citoyen Lebas," he replied.
Clarisse started up.
"What! no one?" asked Robespierre.
"And Olivier?" Clarisse said in a low voice, trembling with suspense.
Robespierre moved towards the door and called anxiously to Lebas. The day was fast closing, the setting sun, peering in through the half-open shutters, shed a crimson light in the apartment, staining here and there in patches and streaks the furniture and curtains with the hue of blood.
Lebas came in alone.
Olivier was no longer at the prison of La Force!