Fandor put down his portfolio, but remained standing, anxious, all aquiver at the thought that he was about to see his dear Elizabeth appear between two warders, just like a common prisoner!
"In a moment she will be here," thought he.... But she must on no account recognise him on entering! By an exclamation she might betray his identity and complicate things! Therefore, Fandor feigned to be absorbed in a newspaper he unfolded and raised, so as to hide his face from the approaching pair. The door opened.
"Come now! Go in!..." growled the warder. "Maître, when you wish to leave, you have only to ring."
The door fell to, heavily, behind the warder.
Fandor made a sharp movement. He stood revealed. He hurried up to Elizabeth.
"Oh, tell me how you are, Mademoiselle Elizabeth!" he cried.
But the girl was struck dumb: she grew suddenly pale, and made no reply.
"Elizabeth! Elizabeth! Will you not give me your hand even? You do not understand why I am here? I had to see you, speak to you without a witness ... that's why I have passed myself off as an advocate!"
The startled girl was regaining her self-control. Fandor was gazing at her with frankly admiring eyes.
"Poor Elizabeth! How I have made you suffer!"