"I am going to light the fire," said my companion. "And then, the Sister told me I was to make you eat something."
Firmin lit the fire, helped me to undress, for I was terribly weak, put me to bed and forced me to swallow some milk.
But I could not sleep. Firmin then exclaimed, "I have a bit of candle!"
"Are there no lamps, then?"
"No, Madame, but I have a candle. I bought it. I have no money, but I sew, I work to make money. You must sew all day to earn very little, and of course, to work at night you need a candle, don't you!"
She started to sew, near my bed, and I helped her.... Then suddenly, I heard the masculine voice of Sister Léonide shouting: "Will you be quiet, all of you? I shall call the warders.... I tell you she is not here!"
Heavy objects, by the score, were thrown against the door of my cell; and the most abominable insults were hurled at me. There rose hysterical screams of "Murderess! assassin! The guillotine is too good for you! We know you are there! Death to you! The guillotine!"
Firmin held both my hands and trembled like a leaf. "It is dreadful, Madame, don't listen!"
"What are they throwing at the door?"