"Mother, mother . . . quick!"
The call was eager and urgent. The two arms were outstretched towards the pair below. Véronique moaned:
"Oh, it's you, it's you, my darling!"
"Quick, mother, I'm holding the ladder! . . . Quick! . . . It's quite safe!"
"I'm coming, darling, I'm coming."
She had seized the nearest upright. This time, with Stéphane's assistance, she had no difficulty in placing her foot on the bottom rung. But she said:
"And you, Stéphane? You're coming with me, aren't you?"
"I have plenty of time," he said. "Hurry."
"No, you must promise."
"I swear. Hurry."