Nothing could be more horrible than to see this man, upon whose life such a terrible blight was about to fall, so bright and full of hope and confidence.
The impression produced upon Jean and the abbe was so terrible, that, in spite of their efforts, it showed itself in their faces; and Maurice remarked their agitation.
“What is the matter?” he inquired, in evident surprise.
They trembled, hung their heads, but did not say a word.
The unfortunate man’s astonishment changed to a vague, inexpressible fear.
He enumerated all the misfortunes which could possibly have befallen him.
“What has happened?” he asked, in a stifled voice. “My father is safe, is he not? You said that my mother would desire nothing, if I were with her again. Is it Marie-Anne——”
He hesitated.
“Courage, Maurice,” murmured the abbe. “Courage!”
The stricken man tottered as if about to fall; his face grew whiter than the plastered wall against which he leaned for support.