"Countess," returned the abbé, "look about you. Do you not see that every door in your castle stands open? Through these open doors I have passed easily. How I passed through the court is another thing. I will tell you that later."
"And my household, who sleep in those rooms?" said the countess, in an incredulous voice.
"The curtains hang round every bed; I have not raised them. If your household be asleep, they will no doubt sleep as the just do, without waking."
The countess listened, only half believing what she heard; she was growing nerveless again. She led the abbé into the sitting-room, and sank exhausted upon the sofa.
The tumult in the vault was indescribable.
"Do you hear it?" she said, in a whisper.
"I do hear, and I know whence it comes. I am here to face those who cause this unseemly riot."
"Have you the weapons that Holy Church has provided for such a task?" asked Theudelinde, anxiously.
The priest for all answer held towards her the strong staff he carried.
"I have this good stick, countess."