“The two women who live in the Courtivaux house.”
Edmond sprang to his feet and grasped Luminot’s arm, crying:
“Monsieur, admit that you have lied, that your words are false; take them back at once, or I won’t answer for my wrath!”
The Droguets, Remplumés and Jarnouillards shrieked in unison:
“He has told the truth; he won’t say anything different; he has simply expressed our opinion.”
“Take it back, monsieur, take it back instantly!”
“No, I won’t take it back,” said the former wine merchant, whose brain was excited by all he had drunk, and who was inflamed by the harpies who surrounded him. “On the contrary, I repeat it: those two women are——”
A violent blow on the cheek prevented him from finishing his sentence.
Bewildered a moment by the blow he had received, Luminot stared vacantly about; but when he saw Edmond still glaring at him with a threatening expression, the stout man prepared to rush at him.