Under the torch that lighted the entrance to the stairs the ghoulish figure of la Mère Corniche hobbled forth, returning from her inspection.
"Well, what news?" a voice cried.
"Eh, it'll be all night now," she answered peevishly. "I'm going to get some sleep."
The women, hearing this, broke up and departed to their rooms; the men began to grumble:
"What the devil's to be done?"
"I'm for the cabaret."
"You can't stay here."
"There's no sleep to-night. Come on to the cabaret."
"You'll join us, Citoyen Goursac?"
"No; I'm remaining here."