Everybody tried to perceive the odor; and soon all agreed that he was right. As the door had given way a little, the passage had gradually become filled with a sickening vapor.
The people shuddered; and a woman’s voice exclaimed,—
“She has killed herself!”
As it happens strangely enough, but too frequently, in such cases, all hesitated.
“I am going for the police,” said at last Master Chevassat.
“That’s right!” replied the merchant. “Now there is, perhaps, a chance yet to save the poor girl; and, when you come back, it will of course be too late.”
“What’s to be done, then?”
“Break in the door.”
“I dare not.”
“Well, I will.”