"Quite correct," said Victorin. "My father-in-law, Monsieur Crevel—"
"Formerly a perfumer, a mayor—yes, I live in his district under the name of Ma'ame Nourrisson," said the woman.
"The other person is Madame Marneffe."
"I do not know," said Madame de Saint-Esteve. "But within three days I will be in a position to count her shifts."
"Can you hinder the marriage?" asked Victorin.
"How far have they got?"
"To the second time of asking."
"We must carry off the woman.—To-day is Sunday—there are but three days, for they will be married on Wednesday, no doubt; it is impossible.—But she may be killed—"
Victorin Hulot started with an honest man's horror at hearing these five words uttered in cold blood.
"Murder?" said he. "And how could you do it?"