Before the bed, on her knees, her hair in disorder, her hands stretched out, her face on fire, the old Lorrain was crying out, "No, no, it shall not be done!"
At the foot of the bed stood Monsieur Auffray and the two priests. The tapers were still burning.
Opposite to the grandmother was the surgeon of the hospital, with an assistant, and near him stood Doctor Neraud and Vinet. The surgeon wore his dissecting apron; the assistant had opened a case of instruments and was handing him a knife.
This scene was interrupted by the noise of the coffin which Brigaut and the plumber set down upon the floor. Then Brigaut, advancing, was horrified at the sight of Madame Lorrain, who was now weeping.
"What is the matter?" he asked, standing beside her and grasping the chisel convulsively in his hand.
"This," said the old woman, "this, Brigaut: they want to open the body of my child and cut into her head, and stab her heart after her death as they did when she was living."
"Who?" said Brigaut, in a voice that might have deafened the men of law.
"The Rogrons."
"In the sacred name of God!—"
"Stop, Brigaut," said Monsieur Auffray, seeing the lad brandish his chisel.