“’Tis not enough,� she said bluntly, turning on the officer with a sinister smile; “’tis worth more, my beauty.�
Her insolent tone offended him and he stared at her.
“Diantre!� he said, “I will have you thrown from the roof if you do not tell all you know, you thievish hag!�
Mère Tigrane hesitated, looking at the coins in her hand, but she had a motive more powerful than greed this time. She changed her tone, however.
“I’m a poor woman, Excellency,� she whined; “’tis worth more.�
He threw her a broad piece, with a curse.
“Go on!� he shouted, fiercely; “or I’ll break your neck.�
She put the money into her wallet and then licked her lips; there was a good taste in her mouth.
“Monsieur knows the family at St. Cyr,� she said, one evil eye seeming to fix itself on Charlot; “the old woman and her granddaughter are there, and a steward.�
M. de Baudri was interested now; he frowned darkly upon her.