"More."
"Surely not! Two months?... Three whole months?"
"I don't know. I swear to you that I don't know. I would rather tell you the worst at once than slowly torture you, but I simply cannot. You will have to be examined by a judge; it will take a long time. Weeks, months, may elapse.... But you longed to know the truth.... Well, there will be a thorough investigation now; you will know everything. I will help you...."
It was as though I had received a stunning blow on the head.... I reeled. Several weeks, several months, perhaps!...
My head fell forward, and I sobbed.
They made me promise to try to eat. They called the gaoler, and said "She must eat," and the man went to the canteen and fetched a plateful of boiled potatoes.... Maître Aubin's last words were: "We shall have to talk together, to work, a great deal... but you may rely upon it: the murderers will be found."
I returned to my cell. There, Ghirelli and Rosselli overwhelmed me with questions, and showed much irritation when I declined to answer.... I had bought from the canteen some paper and ink, and I started writing to my relatives.
The gong! Once! Then a voice shouted "Sixty One." It was for me. Sister Léonide entered and said: "Your daughter is here."
My daughter!... My God! Marthe was going to see me! I must not look so unhappy.... "Ma Sœur, tell me, can one see that I have cried?"
I was led to the Director's study. The Director was there, seated near a window.... Then I saw Marthe, with M. Chabrier.... She rushed into my arms, and for a long while, we wept and were both unable to speak. The Director, M. Pons, said: "You can only be together for a quarter of an hour."