“It’s a nice business,” growled de Bennetot.
“Then you ought to have argued it out with Beaumagnan and refused him your help,” said the Baron impatiently.
“It was impossible,” murmured de Bennetot.
“Then obey,” said the Baron sternly.
The time passed slowly. No sound came from the château or from the sleeping countryside.
Once de Bennetot rose, went to their prisoner, and bending down, listened. Then he turned to the Baron and said:
“She is not even groaning. She certainly is a woman of character.”
He went back to his chair and added in a low voice in which there was a note of fear: “Do you believe all these things they say about her?”
“What things?”
“About her age?... And all those stories of bygone days?”