Pamela and Théroigne and Nicette! Vanity and vanity and vanity. And one Love had claimed, and one the hell of passion, and one——
He threw himself upon the floor, blaspheming, hugging himself in the ecstasy of this protracted torment.
At last, completely worn out, he fell asleep.
He awoke, having slumbered, despite the hardness of his couch, far into the morning. He could only recollect himself and his circumstances with a mastering effort. Sitting up, he saw his jailer standing by a little table that he had brought into the room.
“What is that for?” he said.
“The citizen’s meals.”
“Meals! Good God! And has not the commissary yet touched his acme of folly? Has not M. Vergniaud yet called to effect my release?”
The man shook his head.
“Where did you overtake him?” said Ned desperately. “What was he doing that was so urgent when you delivered to him my note?”
“He was conducting the actress Simon-Candeille to the theatre. I heard madame engage him to a p’tit-souper when the play was over.”