Philippe went downstairs as soon as he was dressed. He found all the servants gathered in the hall, discussing the news. Victor confirmed it: he had come straight from Noirmont.
Moreover, the postman had heard from a gendarme that the railway-station at the sub-prefecture was occupied by soldiers. He himself, when he left Saint-Élophe, had seen army telegraphists on duty in the post-office.
These hasty measures fitted in with the rejection of the ultimatum and went to prove the imminence of the dreaded catastrophe.
Philippe could not help saying:
"That means war."
"It's what I've been shouting from the house-tops for the last two days!" proclaimed Victor, who seemed greatly excited. "Oughtn't we to make preparations, here? At two steps from the frontier?"
But a bell rang. Catherine ran to the drawing-room, where Mme. Morestal appeared:
"Where were you? I have been looking for you. Hasn't the doctor been? Oh, there you are, Philippe! Quick, telephone to the doctor...."
"Is my father ...?"