"Who calls me?" she cried. "Who is it that speaks my name?"
"Françoise, do you remember Simon, Jacques, Cinette?"
"My children? Yes, yes—I remember them. Where is it that I have just seen them? Oh! yes—I remember. I was all alone. Cinette's little bed was empty, and then the door opened and Jacques came!"
"Is he alive?" cried Labarre.
"Yes," answered Caillette. "They knew each other at once."
"But where is Francine?"
"She has been abducted by the Vicomte de Talizac."
"Talizac!"
Labarre caught at a chair for support. Françoise heard these words.
"Talizac! Oh! the base, cruel man. Quick! we cannot stay here. I must save Francine and Jacques. Oh! my box—where is my box?"