"Exactly on that point I am to interrogate you. It may be long; sit down."
La Mère Baudrier, trembling, took a chair, never ceasing her mumbling.
"But what? I don't understand. Why, every one will tell you that I am a patriot."
Dossonville, who had been a moment interested in the resemblance of daughter and mother, seized upon the last word.
"Citoyenne, there's the point: what constitutes a patriot? Do you know the law of suspects?" He tilted back his head and closed his eyes, not so tightly though as to miss the expression of her face. "These are declared suspects:
"All aristocrats.
"All priests.
"All Moderates.
"All those who, although they have done nothing against the Nation, have done nothing for it."
He examined the prisoner carefully as he continued, emphasizing each word: