'There are footsteps. There is someone coming up to the window.'
He would have rushed there, but dared not. Escape by the door was his only chance.
'Dare to lay a finger on me, traitor. I am a free woman now. Your perfidy has divorced me from you.'
'The key!' he cried in hoarse tones many times.
'There is the open window. Leave the house that way. The soldiers are waiting to receive you.'
The sweat broke on his forehead. 'I give you another chance. Stand aside, and let me pass.'
She drew herself up proudly. 'No man shall ever say of Marie Larivière that she feared a traitor to her country.'
This return to her maiden name showed him how completely isolated he was from all human sympathy.
He swore fiercely, then sprang forward at her. But the little patriot was ready; she doubled her fingers and struck him across the eyes.
'Perfide!'