"Yes," she said, with a sad smile. "I have not found myself in such elegant company since we left Pontivy."
"That is easily explained," replied Olivier; "the prisons of the Republic are used only for the nobility."
"You are mistaken," Clarisse answered gently. "Among the prisoners there are, I can assure you, men and women of the lower middle-class, who have given proofs of the highest nobility of soul."
"That is exactly what I mean—they are eminent in virtue, as the others are in birth. And they are consequently not wanted. All that is wanted is equality.... Equality in infamy!"
"Hush! Be quiet, you may be heard!"
"Be quiet? I shall be quiet when they tell me of what you are accused; for, after all, why have you been arrested? What have you done?"
"That is just what we ask ourselves," answered Clarisse. And then she continued as if she were thinking aloud—
"At first I fancied that some one had denounced us, but I put that thought aside at once, for who could have done so?"
"Who?" exclaimed Olivier, astonished that his mother as yet knew nothing. Looking at her fixedly, he continued—
"What! Is it possible they have not told you?"