The Recorder now scribbled something on the list, and the people expected him to commence a new series. But he folded the paper, and after asking for another glass of wine, said—
"That is all for to-day."
At these words an immediate feeling of relief ran through the crowd, awakening them from that terrible nightmare.
"Thank God!" said Clarisse, with a sigh.
"And you told me you were quite safe!" exclaimed Olivier.
Again she had the courage to conceal the truth.
"Oh! my anxiety was for others, not for ourselves."
Olivier shook his head incredulously, and was about to reply, when the voice of Haly announcing the hour for the visitors to leave interrupted him.
"All visitors out! It is time to close!"
The Recorder by this time disappeared, preceded by gendarmes. The prancing of horses was heard in the neighbouring courtyard, amidst a confusion of orders and counter-orders. It was the men on duty who were putting the prisoners in the cart, now ready to start. Haly, posted at the grating of the gate by which Olivier had entered, received the cards of the visitors, examining them by the light of his lantern, which he suspiciously lifted to a level with their faces.