"There is one comfort—that Fanfar is every day compromising himself more deeply with these conspirators."
"Yes, and when the hour comes, Fanfar's condemnation is certain."
"But if he escapes us?"
"Impossible! We shall have him, even if we are forced to put the entire police on his track!"
A lacquey knocked at the door and entered.
"The Marquis de Montferrand desires to see you, sir, on a matter of great importance."
"Show him up at once!" said his master, who added to Cyprien: "Do not go away. I do not like this visit—I may need your services. Take your position behind that portière."
The heavy folds had scarcely fallen over him when the Marquis appeared. He was a noble-looking, white haired old man. He was excessively pale.
"Monsieur de Fongereues," he said, "we are morally responsible for the crimes our children commit, are we not?"