Few inhabitants of the gay city of Paris ever give a thought to the city of Death that lies beneath their feet, and fewer still to the motto that is written on the walls of this vast tomb—just as it is written everywhere:
“Remember, Man, that thou art Dust, and that unto Dust thou shalt return.”
It was in this terrific place that Lavenne found himself, with the choice of exploring it to find a way out or returning to encounter Camus.
BOOK IV
CHAPTER I
NEWS FROM VINCENNES
ONE morning, four days later, the Comte de Sartines, working in his official room in the Hôtel de Sartines, was informed that a person wished to see him on urgent business.
“What is the name?” asked he.
“Brujon, monsieur. It is the steward of M. le Comte Camus.”