'A month!' sighs the Chief Magistrate. 'The people cannot hold out another month. They are on the verge of despair.'
'They begin to murmur,' adds one of the Provosts glumly.
'And some demand that we surrender the city,' concludes de Lalain.
'Surrender the city!' exclaimed d'Inchy vehemently. 'Never!'
'Then can Monseigneur suggest something?' riposts the Chief Magistrate dryly, 'that will restore confidence to a starving population?'
'The help from France almost within sight,' urges Monseigneur.
The Provosts shrug their shoulders.
'So long delayed,' one of them says. 'The people have ceased to believe in it.'
'Many declare the Duke is dead,' urges another.
'But ye know better than that, Messires,' retorts d'Inchy sternly.